Grilled Veggies & Herbed Goat Cheese Ciabatta

               Grilled Veggie and Herb Goat Cheese Ciabatta

Okay, it's the summer. And during this season of lighter wear we strive to look our best. So here's a super skinny facilitator to aid in your venture to a healthy look.  This recipe is so simple, so scrumptious, and so figure friendly, I guarantee you're going to make it year round!

*Recipe yields two loaf-sized sandwiches

Ingredients:

2- 8oz ciabatta loafs
1- small eggplant
1- small green zucchini
1/2 red onion
1- large or 6 small slow roasted tomato slices
1- medium red pepper
4 oz herbed goat cheese
2 T olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
2 - 12" slices of tinfoil

1. Slow roasting tomatoes is far tastier than any other method of cooking these sweet nectars. But if you don't have time, grilling is a good alternative. Be sure to grill on tinfoil to prevent losing them through the grates. In order to slow roast, preheat oven at 225F. Slice large tomato to 1/4" thickness or small tomatoes in half.  Brush with olive oil on both sides then sprinkle with salt, pepper & dried basil on both sides. (Larger batches of tomatoes are suggested due to the length of cook time. Then use remainder for salsa or pizzas). Bake for three hours. Tomatoes will be shriveled & juicy when done.

2. Slice egglplant and zucchini lengthwise, red onion into rings, and red pepper in half lengthwise. Brush with olive oil on both sides then sprinkle with salt & pepper.

3.Preheat the grill to 350F. Place red onion on rack if available, or on tinfoil. Grill 10 min on each side. Eggplant and red onion will grill quicker. Keep vigil.

 4. Cut ciabatta lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill for 1-2 min only on the inside of bred. Grill until lightly toasted. Place two slices on each piece of tinfoil for ready assembling. Then spread 1 oz of cheese on each half, a total of 4 oz.

5. Remove veggies from grill when grill marks and char is visible on both sides. To assemble, begin with eggplant, then red pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, finishing with onions. The ciabatta bread is ideal for this sandwich because its thick and absorbant. This sandwich will not become wet or mooshy from the soft veggies.

6. Turn off grill. Wrap each sandwich in tinfoil, place on grill, and close lid for 2-5 min to warm bread and cheese. Remove from grill and foil. Slice and plate.