Categories: Appetizers- Snacks

Ingredients

• Mozzarella Topping:
• 1/2 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
• 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 2 narrow loaves Italian or French bread, sliced thin

Directions

1. Mozzarella Topping: Combine all ingredients, marinate oven to 400 degrees. Arrange sliced bread on cookie sheets and bake 5 to 8 minutes, turning once, until lightly toasted.

2. Spoon about 1 Tbsp. topping onto prepared toasts and bake 3 minutes or until cheese just begins to melt.

3. makes 24 pieces

4. Variations:

5. Olive-Paste Crostini: Toast bread as directed. combine 1/4 lb. Gaeta olives, pitted, 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 1/4 tsp. minced garlic in blender; puree until smooth. Spread 1 tsp. topping on each toast slice.

6. Chicken0Liver Crostini: Toast bread as directed. Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in skillet over high heat. Add 1/2 lb. chicken livers, trimmed/ Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. each sage and salt and 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper; cook, stirring until livers are browned, 3 minutes.

7. Transfer to bowl.

8. Melt 1 Tbsp. butter in skillet. Add 1/4 cup minced onion and cook until tender, 3 minutes. Return livers to skillet with 2 Tbsp. brandy; cook over high heat until brandy is evaporated. Remove from heat and mash. Spread 1 Tbsp. on each toast slice and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley.

9. makes 16

Email to a friend | Print this recipe | Back