Eggplant Chili (Meatless Meal)

Back in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, meat prices skyrocketed and nobody could afford to eat meat every night of the week. It didn’t take long for American housewives to learn the fine art of cooking  meatless meals. Eggplant was a mainstay during that time. This recipe, from Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard makes it clear to me that those days may be here again, but we need not give up great meals because of unaffordable meat prices.

Mother Hubbard says:

This chili is the bomb. It is sooooo simple, yet LOVED by my family.  I just toss the ingredients into my slow cooker, and come home to dinner.  I’m not sure if I should admit this, but I often cook this chili on low for more than 24 hours, and it turns out fantastic.  The longer you cook it, the less recognizable the eggplant is; so if you have picky eaters, cook it until the eggplant breaks down.  For that matter, if you have picky eaters, you may want to hide this recipe and just call it “Chili”.

Eggplant Chili

1  large onion, chopped

1  large bell pepper, chopped

1  large eggplant, peeled and chopped

1 – 2 cloves crushed garlic

2 cups cooked or canned beans, any variety or mixture

1 28-oz  canned tomatoes, diced with juice

3 – 4 Tablespoons cumin powder
Chili powder, red pepper or chipotle powder to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large slow-cooker, layer onions, peppers, eggplant, garlic, beans and tomatoes.  Cook on low all day (or longer if you wish).  Before serving, stir in cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.

Serve with the following optional, but highly-recommended toppings:  cilantro pesto, chopped avocado, diced onions, plain Greek yogurt, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Cecilia Needs a Blog Because.....

In April (2015), Business Insider published a list of the 50 most affordable small towns in America and Cecilia came in at number 27. We were excited about that and rushed to their website to see what they said about us and how we were chosen. What we found was absolutely outrageous and only serves to underscore that we should fact-check everything we read online, no matter what kind of “trusted source” it comes from.
This photo is of the Post Office in Cecilia. Doesn't matter. Our address is still Breaux Bridge.

Business Insider said that Cecilia is a town named after Saint Cecilia, in which 5.5% of residents speak Cajun or Creole French and where housing can be had for less than 30% of workers’ incomes. There is no way in this world that any of that is true.

In reality, Cecilia is not a town. It is a Census Designated Place, named after Cecilia Lastrapes (the first postmistress) and our address is Breaux Bridge. Plus, 42.6% of the people here speak Cajun or Creole French, including 20.25% of the children. Just go stand in "The Pig" or in their parking lot and listen. The sheer numbers of people speaking French will show how deeply that language is ingrained in our culture. Housing costs less than 30% of workers’ incomes? In Cecilia on what planet? Certainly not on this one! This is a two paycheck town and there's no way around it. 

It is obvious that no one from the American Community Survey or Business Insider has ever been to Cecilia or they would have known that Cecilia is not a town, most of the people speak at least some French, and living here is not cheap. So - what is it about this little Census Designated Place that brings people here and keeps them here?

…and that is the reason for this blog. We love our French, Spanish, and Native American  history, but it is who we are today that keeps our little corner of the Atchafalaya Basin so vibrant.

We hope you enjoy “Cecilia Online” and use it often to connect to the people and things you need. Your comments and participation are welcome, including submissions for your own written work.

Welcome to Cecilia Online

Cecilia Online is our new blog and everyone is cordially invited to visit often to both ask and answer questions about life in Cecilia and St. Martin Parish. This is important to all of us, but especially important for the many new people who are moving into our area. Bless their hearts. They must feel as if they have moved to the moon and I know they are wasting tons of gas making unnecessary trips back into Lafayette.



How You Can Participate on Cecilia Online:
Let us know:
* If you have questions about living in Cecilia or St. Martin Parish.
* If you can answer questions about living in Cecilia and St. Martin Parish.
* If you know of a little part-time business that needs a free listing.
* If you have an event you would like to list here.
* If you have a house for sale or rent.
* If you have a job to give or need a job.
* If you have pets to give away or if you can give a pet a home.
* If you own a business and would like to advertise on Cecilia Online.
* Or if you would like to make a donation to help keep Cecilia Online up and running.
* Facebook posts have a habit of cycling out of sight, never to be seen again, so do keep up with Cecilia Online on Facebook, but don't forget to post here too. 

We hope you come back often, both to watch us grow and to participate in this community support project - and please feel free to suggest articles you might like to write for Cecilia Online.