[Liz]

This is Jacques Pepin's dish from his TV show. Named after a town in Provence.
Nice for Lent. Not just macaroni and cheese. Can do-ahead.

Macaroni Beaucaire
NOTE Jacques baked the eggplant 30 min (a lot healthier). On silpat lined sheetpan, he placed s/p eggplant slices--then turned to coat both sides in olive oil. Method is better, but adds prep time.

ELBOWS Set 3/4 c salted elbow cooking liquid in bowl; add 1/4 c ol/oil, 3 tbl Parm, s/p; mix well. Add 8 oz drained al dente elbows, 1/4 c minced chives.

ASSEMBLY Layer in oblong gratin; eggplant, ripe tomato slices to cover bottom; elbows in dressing; top w/ alternate eggplant/tomato slices; cup shredded cheddar (or fave cheese). (Can do ahead to here; fridge.) Set on counter 25-30 min before baking.

FINAL Bake/heat/melt cheese 400 deg 20 min. Serve immediately.

[Jamestown1630]

That sounds great. I’m always looking for new ways to use eggplant.