[Gardeneer]

Chinese Lanterns ARE invasive. Last year I had one. Now they are all over the place. But luckily they are not near my main garden.
On Eggplants: I love them. This year I have Thai and Japanese Echiban.they don,t get bitter and produce well.
To Prepare: Slice them. Either sprinkle salt on them or soak in brine. Afterwards, rinse and towel dry. Then brush beaten egg white on (thinly) and fry with little oil..
You can bake them in oven to hold the oil. Or just brush a little on.