5 Apr 2012

A - Z Writing Challenge: E


The letter for today is: E, where I feature effort and eggplant.

When something requires more than we want to give, we call the task an effort. To reach into a high branch and collect a stray piece of plastic caught on a branch and fluttering in the breeze, requires effort.
On the other hand, if a kitten clung to the branches, we'd rescue the little creature with no thought of the effort involved.
The same thing applies to cooking an eggplant. Some chefs recommend sprinkling the cut areas with salt to remove the bitter flavor. Then, leave the eggplant to drain. To my mind, the effort doesn't justify the time involved.

14 comments:

  1. Hi, Popping over from the A-Z Challenge.

    Regarding effort and eggplants. I wonder if there is an inverse relationship between the two that rather depends on your liking of eggplants. I too would not consider the effort worth it.

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  2. I've tried eggplant both ways. I don't think the salt does a darn thing. So, why bother!

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  3. Eggplants (earlier simply called brinjals) are one of my favourites. Any effort is worth it.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. Good luck for the challenge and for the book with your German co-writer.

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  4. I love to cook, but have never tackled eggplant. I may trey sometime. I'll probably salt it, but mainly because I am a salt-a-holic.

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  5. How timely! I am considering making an eggplant lasagna for Easter. (I'm a vegetarian.) The debate continues: to salt, or not to salt. I haven't decided yet! Have a great day! ~ Angela, Whole Foods Living, http://www.wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/

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  6. HEAR! HEAR! I totally agree and quit salting many years ago. I see absolutely no difference. One of those wasted steps that Martha Stewart recipes are famous for, as far as I'm concerned. I love eggplant and we eat it all the time. Roasted, grilled, sautéed, stir-fried, ratatouilled, you name it, we eat it.

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  7. I use both versions. To my palate there is a difference, but more likely because I choose to use salt so infrequently any addition brings the flavor to my attention.

    Good post...Checking in from A to Z
    Red.

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  8. I salt my eggplant, don't know why! Probably because someone told me to when I was younger!
    I just planted four Japanese eggplant in my garden three days ago, can't wait to enjoy them some time soon. Eating them will be no effort at all :)

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  9. I think your posts epitomise this challenge. Your topics are varied and interesting and your writing is short and easy to read. I like it :)

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  10. Love the dual definition of effort, it is so true. Sometimes things like finding a new job, take a great effort, where as you say rescuing a cute adorable kitten we don't think of the effort there, cause we love the kitten.

    I always find my own path in cooking, sometimes the cooks are right, and others as you point out they make things harder than they need to be.

    Thanks for visiting my post. One additional note, currently there is not a ship in the U.S. Navy with the name ENTERPRISE. When CV-65 was decommissioned last year she was the last ship to bear the name. Currently the Navy has no plans to naming any future ship ENTERPRISE. Something is wrong with this picture.

    Here's my link for anyone who hasn't yet been by.

    http://creativeminds-tamirisc.blogspot.com/2012/04/e-for-spock.html

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  11. It's probably my southern roots showing, but I love fried eggplant. We add Cajun spices to the cornmeal, and it's definitely worth the messy effort of frying!

    Continued success with the A to Z challenge,
    Jocelyn

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  12. Hello! I just had the best eggplant I'd ever tried a few weeks back.My father made it, and said that if you set the Sicilian ones (lighter purple and roundish) you don't have to worry about them being bitter. It is still a bit of effort to fry them though, i suppose. :)

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  13. Interesting post that invites the reader to consider exactly when we are willing to make an "effort" even for an eggplant! I would make the effort for my family if they loved eggplant. Saving the kitty or a child is a no brainer. Writing every day -- now there's effort!

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  14. Well if you'd like to try Eggplant without the hassle then I recommend throwing it in a Morrocan stew where it becomes very tender and absorbs the subtle spicy flavors. Tossing it in a stir fry is another easy addition.

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Please tell me what YOU think.