Eggplant And Tomato Panzanella: Bread Salad

Ingredients

• Croutons
• 1/2 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 finely minced garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• salt and pepper
• Vinaigrette
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chiffonade mint
• 1 tablespoon chiffonade basil (trust me, the herbs really make the dish)
• Salad
• 2 large eggplants, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• salt and pepper
• 3 cups halved cherries or 3 cups grape tomatoes
• 1/4 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes