Eggplant Ciabatta

Ciabatta is the Italian word for "slipper".

Ciabatta has a lightly crispy outside, but not too crispy where it cuts you,

and has an inner dough of airy deliciousness.

Ingredients:

• A few slices of eggplant, depending on how meaty you would like your sandwich
• A mixture of Italian seasonings,olive oil, and balsamic vinegar (I had this pre-made as a salad dressing)
• 1/2 of a tomato, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped onion (this is a strange measurement but you really don't need a lot of onion)
• Basil
• Salt and pepper
• Ciabatta bread

For the eggplant:
Generously drizzle the olive oil mixture over eggplant slices, sprinkle with basil and let marinate for a half hour.  Grill lightly over medium heat, just enough to see tan lines on the eggplant.  Set aside.

Tomato Topping:
Toss tomatoes with garlic, onions and 1/2 a teaspoon of basil.  Set aside.

Cut a nice chunk of bread for your sandwich.  Slice in half and lightly brush with oil.  Place face down on grill over medium heat for a few minutes, just enough to warm up.  Make sandwich by place eggplant on open bread and top with tomatoes.  Sprinkle with a touch of basil.  Eat.

Inspiration...I wanted a sandwich.

Cheers...to muddin'.