2 Small eggplants*

2 tb Salad oil (approx)

1 Medium European cucumber**

1 Sm red onion,thinly sliced

1/2 c Cider vinegar

2 tb Firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 ts Salt

* - end trimmed, cut into 3/4" thick slices ** - thinly sliced ====================================================================== === 1. Lightly brush eggplant slices with oil and put them on a tray.

2. On a barbecue with lid, place grill 5-6" over a solid bed of hot

coals (you can hold your hand at grill level only 2-3 seconds). When grill is hot, rub it lightly with a paper towel dipped in salad oil. 3. Lay eggplant slices close together on grill. Cover barbecue, open

drafts, and cook until slices are well browned and soft when pressed, 15-20 minutes; turn, as needed, with a wide spatula. Return slices to

the tray. If slices are cooked ahead, cover and chill up to a day. 4. In a bowl, cover cucumber and onion slices with ice water. Quickly

squeeze slices to briuse lightly, then cover and chill 30 minutes to 1 hour; drain. In bowl, mix cucumber, onion, vinegar, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. If made ahead, cover and chill up to 4 hours. Coarsely chop eggplant and spoon onto a rimmed platter; top with cucumber and onion mixture. Add salt to taste.