Easy Fall Meals - September 7, 2011 | News

It's fall and most kids have returned to the classroom. Parents are now balancing work demands with their kids school schedules. In addition to homework projects there are after school activities that have to be included in the daily schedule as well. Although there doesn't seem like enough hours in the day to get everything done, it's important that families find the time amidst all of the hustle and bustle to sit down and reconnect during a family meal.

Rima Barkett is the co-author of "Cooking Dinner: Simple Italian Family Recipes Everyone Can Make."  Rima demonstrates how easy it can be for busy parents to make a home-cooked meal in a short amount of time, that's nutritious and delicious. Rima prepares one of the signature dishes from the book, Penne with Eggplant and Mozzarella.  

Here's the recipe for you:

Penne with Eggplant and Mozzarella.  

Ingredients:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 onion finely chopped
one eggplant peeled and cut in 1/2 inch cubes
2 ripe tomatoes peeled and cut in 1/2 inch cubes or 1 small can good tomato sauce
1 small bunch of fresh basil
4oz fresh mozzarella cut into small cubes.

Directions:

In a medium sauce pan sauté onion in half the oil for 3-4 minutes. Add rest if the oil and sauté the eggplant for 5-6 minutes, add salt and pepper to taste, the tomato. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Add basil and remove it after a minute. Meanwhile boil the Penne. 3 minutes before the pasta is cooked, with a slotted ladle, pick up the penne from the boiling water and add it to the sauce. Finish cooking the pasta in the sauce. Serve in a large serving dish, sprinkle top with mozzarella and serve.