Grilled Eggplant Sandwich

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve let an eggplant go bad because i was too chicken to try one and i had no idea how to even begin to prepare one.   Today I (we) took the plunge and cooked one up.  I found my new love!  We even went out and bought a Panini grill just because I’ve always wanted one and this was a perfect excuse to get one finally.

Grilled Eggplant Sandwich

4 tsp Olive Oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Fresh Basil, chopped
salt, to taste
fresh ground pepper, to taste
eggplant, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 block cream cheese
4 pieces focaccia bread, or other good quality bread
baby spinach, washed and dried (optional)
tomatoes, sliced
red bell pepper, blackened and sliced (optional)

preheat grill to medium heat.  Add olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, and 1/2 tsp of basil to a small bowl.  Stir to combine.  Brush both sides of eggplant slices with olive oil mixture.  Grill eggplant over direct heat, 3 minutes each side or until nicely grilled.  Mix cream cheese, 1 Tbsp basil, salt and pepper into a small bowl.  Spread halves of bread with cream cheese mixture.  Top with sliced eggplant, tomatoes, spinach, and bell pepper.