Instructions

In large, heavy saucepan, heat 1/4 cup oil. Sautee finely ground meat, onion (very finely chopped) and crushed garlic until lightly browned. Add crushed oregano, crushed basil, cinnamon, salt, ripe olives and tomato sauce. Cover and simmer slowly about 30 minutes; uncover and simmer slowly another 30 minutes. While sauce simmers, prepare Cream Sauce and eggplant. Cut ends from eggplant (1 large or 2 small) and cut in 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place on cookie sheet and brush with remaining olive oil. Place under broiler and broil until light brown. Remove from oven, salt lightly, turn eggplant and repeat process. Then position rack in center of oven and heat to 350 degrees. To assemble: In 13x9x2-inch baking dish, arrange layer of eggplant. Sprinkle some Parmesan, cheddar and bread crumbs over eggplant. Layer meat sauce, freshly grated cheeses, crumbs and Cream Sauce until all is used. Bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees Pull up some of red sauce around edge to make dish more colorful. Garnish with sliced green olives if desired.