Eggplant "Genie Special"

This dish is an homage to one of my favorite places to eat lunch when I lived in Macon - Chesapeake Bagel Company - they served a bagel with cream cheese topped with tomatoes, onions, and provolone and it was called the Genie Special.  This may be a healthier version but the taste is just as good and it brings back such great memories.  (Especially memories of great times spent with my girlfriends in Saxby's office as we made sure to make it the Chesapeake at least once a week!)

Cooking Directions:
Cut the ends off of 2 small eggplant.  Then slice lengthwise into 1/3 - 1/2 inch slices.  On a baking sheet, sprinkle the eggplant with olive oil and then make a garlic paste with (4) garlic cloves and sea salt.  Apply an even amount of the garlic paste to each eggplant.  Cover the eggplant with sliced tomatoes and onion then season with salt, pepper, oregano, and a dash of red pepper flakes.  Top with provolone cheese and then cook in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the eggplant is evenly cooked.

We served this with Italian sausage and a homemade salad with a balsamic garlic vinaigrette dressing. 
Enjoy! 
M&R