Aubergine Parmigiana & Lottie's Birthday Meal

I went out for dinner this evening for my friend Lottie's birthday, so the Parmigiana was last nights meal. The rest of my flat were left to fend for themselves in the kitchen, but it sounds like they had a good meal without my help (I'm very proud and means I can have more nights off). I had a mixed platter of fish for dinner this evening, which I filleted at the table to everyone's surprise (not just a pretty face eh), fish was yummy but even after one and a half fish I was still hungry! We basically had the restaurants to ourselves and they let us have control of the stereo so we had some classic fever tunes going on it was amazing, really enjoyed myself.

There is also a flasher on the loose in Venice at the moment according to the lecturers - so we aren't supposed to walk home alone, I don't like wandering around by myself anyway, but I think I would find it more funny than frightening if I was flashed. But I wasn't (unfortunately?!) so I can't comment.

Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 Large Aubergines (Sliced into circles approx 1.5cm thick)
1 Onion (Chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic (Finely Chopped)
Handful Cherry Tomatoes (Chopped)
1 Jar Passata
2 Balls Mozzarella
1 Handful Parmesan (Grated)
Salt, Pepper & Oregano

Roast the aubergines in the oven for 15 minutes on 200C. Whilst roasting, fry the onions and garlic in a little oil and add the passata and chopped tomatoes. Add a pinch of salt, pepper and oregano and leave to simmer. I usually layer the aubergines, mozzarella & tomato sauce like a lasagne (top with mozzarella and the parmesan) and bake for 20 minutes in the oven, but I did individual ones wrapped up in baking parchment because our roasting tray was dirty and I didn't want to clean it. I served this with a warm baguette, because I find it is not very filling otherwise.

I have also been doing some baking recently, in the spirit of bake off final and Lottie's birthday - sorry, no recipes as I can't tell you the quantities (I guessed) but I will make them again once I am home and write them up. Here are the pictures of my Chocolate Ganache & Raspberry Cake and my Tarte Tatin. Both would not meet Paul Hollywood's high standards but they aren't bad considering.

Just like to say a massive Happy Birthday to Lottie and a quick mention to my BIGGEST fan Stephen, whom I bonded with earlier xx