Thanks also for the dairy tips! I used to buy Horizon milk, but after reading about them in Omnivore’s Dilemma I’ve tried to switch to a more local brand, Clover Organic. But you are right, the farmer’s market is the best bet!

http://www.theredwhiteandgreen.com/2009/05/18/meatless-monday-whats-for-dinner/

I like it because the eggplant isn’t fried first, it’s baked. Open to other people’s favorite eggplant parm recipes, though!

Re substituting dairy for meat: It’s true that conventionally raised dairy cows produce a lot of environmental waste, since they’re raised in the same types of CAFOs as cattle raised for meat. From an ethical standpoint, you may be saving the life of a cow by switching to dairy, but these cows lead pretty miserable lives.

That’s why I think it’s so important to buy milk and milk products that come from organic, grass-fed cows — and even better, buy them from your local dairy farmers at the farmer’s market. You’ll be helping to support local, sustainable agriculture. Another great option is to buy dairy products made from goat and sheep milk. They’re absolutely delicious, are a lot easier to digest, and these animals are traditionally raised on grass and in a sustainable way, even if the label doesn’t say “organic.”

I’m in love with Redwood Hill Farm goat’s milk yogurt (especially the vanilla flavor, which is sweetened only with maple syrup). It tastes like pudding! http://www.redwoodhill.com

- Jen, I’d love your eggplant recipe.

- I was a vegetarian for four years, primarily for ethical reasons. I felt that it made sense to substitute dairy products for meat (so long as those dairy products come from happy cows). I’m wondering if those who substitute dairy for meat for environmental reasons are really doing more good than harm since dairy cows produce a lot of environmental waste and climate change gas. Any thoughts?