How much dairy and garlic exactly? Luckily—especially for me—Bogino’s recipe isn’t a kept family secret; it’s available by popular demand on their website. Begin with three sliced eggplants, skin-on for extra vitamins, breaded, and fried. Layer them lasagne-style with cheese, cheese, and more cheese (Pecorino Romano, Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta) between marinara sauce. This, say some, is the magic part: two cloves of garlic, tomatoes, onions, and olive oil with spices galore (parsley, oregano, crushed red peppers, basil, thyme, and rosemary). Bake for 25 minutes in a 375 degree oven and then dig right in.
Which I did, twice. It was a delicious cheesy mass enjoyed by all, followed by an early bedtime (just in case!) via cheese coma. Sadly still unsuccessful in the morning, I ate the leftovers for breakfast. Still no luck. I got a pedicure in a vibrating chair and ate another whole pineapple. And then, three and half weeks later, ten days post-due-date, and after many more failed efforts with castor oil and ball-bouncing and acupuncture, I gave up and got induced. Can’t win ‘em all, old wives.
Rosemary Counter is a writer in Toronto.
Andrew Thomas Lee is a photographer based in Atlanta. He went to Scalini’s when his wife was 5 days late—it didn’t work.
Dining and Cooking