Grilled Eggplant with Mozzarella and Bacon Panini

You can substitute the eggplant-cheese-bacon merienda fare with tuna, ham, plain cheese, chicken, turkey, and sausages.

8 slices loaf bread
4 slices Mozzarella cheese
4 slices eggplant, lengthwise
      (the size of the bread) grilled with skin on
8 slices crispy cooked bacon
some unsalted butter
minced garlic

1  Lay 4 slices of bread on a tray.

2  Place a slice of Mozzarella cheese on each slice, followed by a slice of grilled eggplant, followed by 2 slices of crispy bacon on each bread.

3  Cover the fillings with the remaining 4 slices of bread.

4  Brush butter on the outer portion of the breads. Sprinkle with minced garlic.

5  Place sandwiches in a panini griller or sandwich maker and cook until cheese melts and the bread turns golden.

Photography by Miguel Nacianceno | Styling by Sharlene Tan