Longbranch Bar

Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Put Crisco into a mixer bowl. Add cheese gradually, beating at medium speed until mixture is fairly smooth. Blend flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually add to cheese mixture, mixing at low speed. Stir in cereal with spoon. Shape into balls, using 1 tablespoon for each ball.
Arrange balls on ungreased cookie sheets. Lightly press with a fork to make a crisscross pattern. Dip fork in flour as needed to prevent sticking. Press a pecan half onto top of each, if desired.
Bake at 350ºF for 10 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Cool for 10 to 12 minutes on cookied sheet, then remove to a rack to cool.

Combine cornmeal, flour, cheese, salt and garlic powder on waxed paper.
Combine egg and milk in shallow dish or pie plate. Dip eggplant in mixture. Coat with cornmeal mixture.
Heat Crisco to 365ºF in electric skillet or on medium-high heat in large skillet. Fry, a few slices at a time, 1 or 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Turn once. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.