Parmesan Crusted Eggplant and Shrimp with Peppercorn Cream Sauce

This is my version of one of my favorite appetizers from Brio Tuscan Grill. I cut the eggplant a little bigger than they do and topped them with more shrimp, as well. Brio tends to drown everything in the sauce but I held back a little. I prefer being able to taste all of the flavors and not just the sauce, which can be overwhelming.

For the cream sauce:

1 slice bacon, chopped
1 cup beef stock
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tbs balsamic vinegar
2 tbs fresh ground black peppercorns
1 cup heavy cream
Salt
ground nutmeg

In a saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat till almost crispy. Add beef stock, garlic, ground peppercorns and vinegar and bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Add cream and bring back to a simmer, cook until sauce has thickened. Add a dash of salt and nutmeg to taste. Set to side and keep warm.

For the eggplant and shrimp:

1 small eggplant, skin removed and sliced into1/4" thick rounds
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, more as needed
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs, more as needed
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup heavy cream
1lb medium shrimp, peeled,deveined and butterflied
Salt to taste
Red pepper flakes
Olive oil for frying
1 tbs butter

In a small bowl add eggs and heavy cream. In another bowl, add Parmesan cheese and Panko bread crumbs. Heat a fry pan and add enough olive oil to cover bottom. Take a slice of eggplant and dip in egg mixture then breadcrumbs, making sure to coat each side. Carefully place in fry pan and cook on both sides til golden. Repeat til all are cooked. Place pieces on paper towel lined plate to soak up excess oil. While frying the eggplant, in a smaller pan heat about 4 tbs of olive oil and 1 tbs butter til butter is melted. Add shrimp, season with a little salt and cook until pink. Remove from heat and set aside.

To assemble the dish:

Place a small amount of sauce on a serving plate, then eggplant pieces and then top with shrimp. Top with sauce, being careful not to drown the pieces. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.