Instructions: Preheat the oven to 475F (245C). Cut the aubergines in half lengthwise, score them down the middle, to the skin but not through it, and place cut side down on oiled baking sheets. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until thoroughly tender. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Carefully peel away the skins or scoop the aubergine out from the skins, and cut in 1/4-inch thick (.75 cm) lengthwise slices.

Reset oven: 425F (220C).

Meanwhile, quarter and seed the tomatoes. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large, heavy bottomed nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the garlic.

When it begins to color, after about 30 seconds to a minute, add the tomatoes, sugar, and salt. Cook stirring often, for 20 to 30 minutes until the tomatoes are cooked down and beginning to stick to the pan. Stir in the basil, simmer for a few more minutes, and remove from the heat.

Put the tomatoes through the medium blade of a food mill. Adjust salt and add pepper.

Oil a 3-quart (3liter) gratin dish. Spoon a small amount of tomato sauce over the bottom and top with one-third of the aubergine. Spoon one-third of the remaining tomato sauce over the aubergine. Make 2 more layers, sprinkle on the cheese, and bread crumbs, and drizzle on the olive oil.

Bake for 30 minutes in the hot 425F oven, until the top browns and the mixture is sizzling. Remove from the heat and serve hot or warm.

ADVANCE PREP: This will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator before baking. 161 Cals, 5g fat. 28% cff.

)Gratin daubergines et de tomates.

Serves 6. This heady gratin has everything I love about aubergine Parmesan, minus the fat. Although I think of it as a summer dish, inspired by the luscious piles of dark purple aubergines and red ripe tomatoes I see in Provencal markets at that time of year, you could make the grain with canned tomatoes in winter. -MRS

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