The eggplant parmesan was incredibly wonderful, much to Maria's surprise. The acidic tomato sauce and gooey cheese went nicely with the tender, sweet, and delicately flavored eggplants. Maria made it a point to revisit the farm every summer after that to check on the white eggplant tree. It was producing its peculiar and delicious fruit every summer. They had developed a family favorite recipe called eggplant parmesan, so she would pick a few of the eggplants off the tree and bring them inside. The discovery of the white eggplant tree opened up a whole new world of culinary opportunities for Maria and Sofia. Maria was also reminded by it of the fact that sometimes the most marvelous things can be discovered in the most unlikely locations.