Not sure where I got this from, but my recipe files indicates it originated from 'The Magnolia Collection by Gene Westbrook'. Not sure if someone here posted it, but if you did, thanks.

This makes a nice first course.

Enjoy. Sue

Italian Towers

1 med. eggplant

Salt

1 large fresh tomato, sliced

1 large mild onion, sliced thin

1/2 cup margarine

1/2 tsp basil

4 slices Mozzarella cheese, 2-1/2"

square

1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs

2 Tbsps Parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 450.

Peel eggplant and slice 1/2-3/4" thick.

Soak in cold, salted water for 15 minutes. Drain

on paper towel and pat dry.

In a flat, greased 2 qt baking dish, place 4 slices of eggplant, lightly salted on both sides.

Cover each slice with a salted slice of both tomato and onion.

Melt 1/4 cup margarine, and pour evenly over the 4 towers.

Sprinkle with basil and bake, covered, in a preheated oven at 450 for 20 minutes.

Place a slice of Mozzarella cheese over each tower.

Combine bread crumbs and remaining 1/4 cup margarine and sprinkle on top of Mozzarella.

Finally, top with the parmesan cheese.

Bake uncovered for about 8 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.