I couldn’t leave the kitchen when this dish began to fill the air with such a tantalizing aroma.  It was so easy.

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Just get that crock pot out, chop a few ingredients up, open a can, open a jar or two and let it cook.

Ready to cook for 7 - 8 hours. All my work is done!

Peggy of Pantry Revisted made the Caponata and loved it. See what she had to say.

You will LOVE this recipe by Carla Vavala.  *Carla has a Facebook page, “Carla Vavala Creative Cook”.

Carla Vavala

Make sure to keep up with her or better yet, cook along with us every Thursday and I’ll post your photos, your recipe version (if you made any personal favorite adjustments to Carla’s recipe), and of course your blog link if you have one. If not, photos are always welcome.

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Caponata

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  • 1 med eggplant, peel, cut into 1/2 inch pcs.
  • 1 can diced Italian tomatoes, don’t drain.
  • 1 med onion, chopped
  • 2 celery sticks, sliced
  • green olives, sliced (I used about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pcs.
  • 1/2 cup salsa (from a jar), about 8 oz
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 TBS capers, drain
  • 3 TBS balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp oregano *I used 1 TBS fresh oregano
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp basil (or 1 TBS fresh, chopped) *I used 3 fresh basil leaves, chopped – love basil!
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 TBS crushed red pepper (if you want spiciness)
  • Sliced Baguette Bread – I made my own beer bread.

Mix all ingredients except bread in a crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or until all are tender. Serve at room temp. on bread

or use as a dip. If you want to make a meal of it, serve over pasta.

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Ted and I had the Caponata over fresh baked haddock.  AMAZING! I’m liking this book!

Have you ever made Caponata? If not, try this recipe. If you don’t like spicy, use MILD salsa and leave out the red pepper flakes.

Next Thursday:  If you want to cook along, next week we will cook “Gyoza Carla Style! (pot stickers)”  Either order the book (click on the book link above) or email me for the recipe after leaving a comment about what you think about Caponata.

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