Gayle, Aubergine = eggplant, the large purple one, not the little tiny round one that you roast. Now I use my clay baker as a trough with plants in it. Soak your pot very well before using it. Tht is the secret to clay pots I used to seal mine around the edge with a paste of flour & water when I used it. Can't give you times because I like rare beef, wouldn't cook a prime rib in it. I start by soaking the pot. in another pot I lightly saute a couple of sliced onions & carrots in butter, then your seasoned meat (beef) heat a glass of white wine, maybe some brandy too. Put it all into the terrine, a bit of garlic, 3 or 4 chopped tomatoes, a few shallots. Seal the lid and cook in a slow oven for a couple of hours. This is wonderful for any kind of a cheap cut, or stewing beef. Cheers Ginny in Victoria -where many people have their tomatoes in plastic covers against the dreaded blight. Gayle Fields wrote: > > I just bought a long wanted clay baker. I have two questions: > > 1. One of the recipes calls for a "aubergine". Anyone know what this > is? > > 2. Has anyone out there ever cooked a prime rib or any other cut of > roast in a clay baker? I need to know times per pound and any other > hints as I would like to cook a prime rib for my Dad on Father's Day. > > Thanks, Gayle > -- > > "Etiam sciurus caecus quasdam nuces invenit"