Serves 8 as a first course or 4 as a main course preparation 30 minutes cooking 30 minutes other 45 minutes

1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
4 small eggplants, cut in half lengthwise
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound deli-style thick-sliced mild provolone
Grilled Salsa

1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 4 small eggplants, cut in half lengthwise 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt freshly ground black pepper 1/2 pound deli-style thick-sliced mild provolone

Whisk together the vinegar, oil, and oregano and brush on the cut sides of the eggplants. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Preheat a gas grill to high; adjust the heat to medium after 15 minutes. (If cooking over charcoal, allow the coals to burn until they are covered with gray ash.) Grill the eggplants cut-side down until browned, about 5 minutes. Flip the eggplants and top each half with a slice of provolone. Grill 3 minutes more or until the cheese is bubbly. Top with some Grilled Salsa.

Rainy-day method: Prepare the eggplants as described above. Heat the broiler and cook the eggplants about 6 inches from the heat, cut-side down, for 5 minutes. Turn and broil cut-side up for about 3 minutes. Add the provolone and broil about 3 minutes more