Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high.

2. Grill the peppers until charred on all sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper bag and fold over the top to close tightly. Let steam for 10 minutes. Peel and seed the peppers, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick strips. (I use a pizza cutter to do this.) Reserve.

3. Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and grill on each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the eggplant slices have grill marks and feel soft. Remove to a plate.

4. Brush the corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until charred in spots, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and cover to keep warm.

5. Heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper strips. Saute until heated through, stirring often, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup of the basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

6. Arrange the eggplant slices in the bottom of a large shallow platter, leaving room in the center. Spoon the peppers into the center and arrange the corn in circles around the edges of the platter. Garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of basil.

Grilled Veggie Tips

--Cut leftover roasted corn off the cob; toss with frozen and defrosted edamame, and mix with favorite pesto for a great side dish.

--Leftover peppers can be pureed with some olive oil and a touch of balsamic for a silky sauce that is great over chicken, shrimp or pasta.

--Use any remaining vegetables as a base for a chopped salad. Chop the vegetables up, and add chopped arugula and romaine lettuce. Dress with favorite vinaigrette. Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a more substantial main course salad.

--Puree leftover vegetables with vegetable broth and fresh herbs and chill. Serve as a cold soup.

--Use any remaining peppers and eggplant for sandwiches.

(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including "Seriously Simple Parties," and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.)