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Cook Smart:Camilla's Catering Secrets for Home Cooks

Bruschette
Serving Size:8 Prep: 30 minutes
Appetizers/Italian/Party Easy
   
Bruschette (plural) is the term to describe Italian Crostoni and Crostini which are slices of a crusty type of country bread that are roasted or grilled and then brushed with olive oil and fresh garlic. They often have roasted vegetable or meat toppings. Have fun playing with these. The only "Rule of Bruschette" is to grill, broil or bake, depending on what kind of topping you apply-so as not to overpower the delicate flavor of the topping. Also try using Olive Oil Dipping Sauce, (page 191) brushed on the bread. Other toppings include, sliced cook sausage, zucchini, eggplant; chopped calamata olives, artichoke hearts or red bell peppers. Experiment with mixing different toppings with a garnish of Parmesan cheese.
   

STEPS

INGREDIENTS
  • A very popular basic recipe: Preheat the oven to 425 and bake the bread slices on one side until golden colored. Watch carefully. Cool.
    		•  16-1/2 slices baguette (French Bread)

    5 T. extra-virgin olive oil

    1 T. garlic puree

    1/2 t. salt

    1 cup chopped tomatoes

    3 T. fresh basil, leaves only, chopped or 1 T. dried basil.

    2 T. grated Parmesan cheese, optional
  • Stir the oil, garlic and salt together. Brush it on each slice of bread. Sprinkle chopped tomatoes on each piece. Sprinkle on the basil (and cheese).

  • Just before serving, bake in a 350 oven for 10 minutes.
    		•
    Note: Try an assortment of bruschette, with 3 or 4 different toppings.


    Prepare bruschette "toasts" in advance and freeze for very quick prep. Thaw and add toppings. Bake and Serve.
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