I cook the purple eggplant (there are several types)for my family. I peel the purple skin off. I slice a bit of the ends off, be careful of the stem prickles. I slice the egg plant into 1/4 inch thick slices. I have a bowl with beaten egg in it and a plate with breadcrumbs on it nearby. I dip each slice into the beaten egg and then bread the slices with the breadcrumbs. I fry the slices in vegetable oil in my electric frying pan until golden and crispy. I like mine with just a little butter and salt and pepper. My daughter likes a little vinegar sprinkled on hers.