Party Circular Sandwich

Party Circular Sandwich

Sandwich:

1 medium eggplant

2 T. olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

1 (10-inch) round loaf crusty bread

1/2 cup Oregano Lemon Dressing

1/2 lb. sliced Black Forest ham (smoked turkey breast can be substituted)

1/2 lb. salami slices

1 (7.5-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained well and patted dry with paper towels

1 lb. fresh mozzarella, sliced

20 fresh basil leaves

Cut eggplant into 1/2-inch slices. Brush with olive oil and sear on a grill or hot nonstick skillet until soft and brown on both sides. Season with salt and pepper.

Cut bread in half horizontally with a serrated knife and hollow out the top and bottom halves (leaving about 1/2-inch of bread around the crust). Brush bottom half with 1/4 cup of the prepared dressing. In the bottom half of the bread, place the fillings in this order: ham, eggplant, half of the salami, peppers, mozzarella, remaining salami and basil.

Brush inside of top half with 1/4 cup dressing. Place top half onto sandwich. Wrap sandwich tightly in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Place a tray or baking sheet on top of the sandwich and weight it (in the refrigerator if possible) with several cans for about 1 hour. Cut into 16 wedges when ready to serve.

Note: Wrap this sandwich well and leftovers will keep for several days.

Makes 16 party-size servings.