Eggplant and Smoked Mozzarella Cheese Panini Sandwich

Panini sandwiches are grilled on both sides to giveFresh Ground Black Pepper
the bread a nice toasty taste, flavor and texture,1 loaf Ciabatta Bread
and to melt cheeses and heat ingredients through.1/3 cup Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
These hearty sandwiches are perfect for any6 ounces Smoked Mozzarella Cheese, sliced
brunch, lunch or dinner engagement. EggplantPreparation:
brushed with olive oil and grilled until browned on1. Heat grill pan over medium heat.
the outside and tender on the inside starts this2. Brush eggplant slices with 1-tablespoon olive oil.
sandwich. Sun dried tomato spread livens up the3. Season eggplant slices with salt and pepper, to
bread slices, while topping the eggplant withtaste.
smoked Mozzarella cheese adds a chewy texture4. Grill until grill marks start, turning only once.
and unique flavor.5. Cut loaf into 4 pieces. Cut each half lengthwise
Cooks Notes:to create sandwich tops and bottoms.
Specialty sandwich grills are available for the6. Cover bottom halves of sandwich bread with
purpose of creating Panini sandwiches. While asun-dried tomato spread.
skillet or grill pan works well, the sandwich makers7. Place equal number of grilled eggplant slices
are ideal. Substitute hard sandwich rolls for theover tomato spread.
Ciabatta bread, if necessary or desired.8. Top eggplant with smoked mozzarella slices.
Eggplant And Smoked Mozzarella Cheese PaniniPlace sandwich tops over cheese.
Sandwich9. Brush sandwich tops with remaining
Ingredients:1-tablespoon olive oil.
1 Large Purple Eggplant, sliced 1/4" thick, lightly10. Place sandwiches on grill. Place heavy skillet on
salted, placed in colander 20 minutes to draintop of each sandwich to press down.
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil11. Grill until cheese is melted.
Coarse Salt