Caponata with Olives and Pine Nuts

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Here's another one from the mysterious "DRSPAGHETI":

What if Bill Gates owned a McDonalds franchise? Here are some of the
changes we might see:

1) Super Size "upgrades" would be mandatory, if customers wanted to
actually use the food to its fullest potential.

2) We'd all have to buy new cars to use the McMicrosoft Drive-Thru.

3) Upon hearing about a new burger about to be launched by Netscape
King, McMicrosoft would "preannounce" their new burger, even though
its secret sauce is still in alpha.

4) They'd steal recipes from Apple's employee cafeteria!

5) Once a customer eats McMicrosoft food, trying to remove all traces
of it from the digestive tract proves impossible.

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            TODAY'S RECIPE
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This Italian salad, similar in concept to the French ratatouille, is
usually served at room temperature as a salad or side dish. Make a
large batch if you like because it will keep for up to a week in the
refrigerator.

Caponata with Olives and Pine Nuts

2 lbs (900 g) eggplant (aubergines), peeled and cut
into 1/2-inch (2 cm) cubes
Salt
6 Tbs (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2-3 ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
Or 2 cups (500 ml) canned tomatoes, drained and chopped
1-2 red bell peppers (capsicums), cored, seeded, and chopped
1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped parsley
1/2 cup (125 ml) lightly toasted pine nuts (pignoli)
1/2 cup (125 ml) pitted chopped green and/or black olives
1/4 cup (60 ml) capers
1 Tbs (30 ml) sugar
1 Tbs (15 ml) red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Place the cubed eggplant in a colander and salt liberally. Let stand
for 30 to 45 minutes, rinse well and press between paper towels to dry
thoroughly. Heat the oil in a large skillet over moderate heat and
saute the eggplant until it absorbs all the oil and begins to brown.
Add the onion and garlic and saute for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes
and bell peppers and saute just until the vegetables are tender, about
15 minutes. Do not overcook. Add the remaining ingredients and toss
to combine. Serve at room temperature with bread or crackers if
desired. Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Tue Nov 9 06:33:47 2004