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Quick Appetizers
using Pestos and Tapenades from The Posh Gourmet
Recipes courtesy Sandie Jarrett

Contents:

Basic Crostini Recipe
Pesto Bread Recipe
Muffuletta Appetizer Recipe
 

Basic Crostini Recipe

Simple and basic, this Crostini is the perfect beginning to many starters.  Be careful not to over season as you don't want the Crostini to overwhelm the flavor of the topping.

Start with a good bread.  I prefer a small (about 9" around) flute of San Francisco Sourdough, sliced 1/2 inch thick, though a nice day-old baguette or even a good quality sandwich bread will do just fine.  If using full sized slices of bread, trim down to 2-bite pieces (about 3" X 2" - 2 1/2").  Brush slices with a small amount of EVOO and pop under the broiler until the bread just starts to turn golden.  Do not toast - just 'dry-out' the top so that when topped, the Crostini doesn't become soggy.

Top the crostini with your favorite pesto, tapenade, or hearty spread, sprinkle with grated Italian cheese, and chopped fresh herbs for a fast gourmet snack.

Links to Products used in this Recipe: Tapenades  |  Pestos  |  Gourmet Olive Oils

Pesto Bread Recipe

1 container (7 ounces) Basil Pesto
1 baguette, cut in half lengthwise
1/4 cup (1 ounce)  freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
2 Roma tomatoes, cut into thin round slices

Preheat broiler. Spread pesto over bread; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Top with tomato slices.  Place on baking sheet. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until bread is crisp and cheese is melted. Cut into pieces.

Links to Products used in this Recipe: Sea Salts & Seasonings  |  Gourmet Olive Oils

Muffuletta Appetizer Recipe

Serve these scaled down sandwiches as appetizers or with several cold side dishes for lunch.   Classic olive spread (tapenade), and Italian meats and cheeses piled on a crusty Italian roll - now how good is that?

Makes about 24 appetizers

To serve, slice each sandwich into 6 – 8 slices, add a pitted olive and skewer with a tooth pick.                    

Cook's Notes:
If the top of the roll is too rounded and the roll won’t lay flat, simply cut off the excess to form a level surface. 

When cutting the bread halves into pieces, cut into diagonal slices. 

I prefer a thicker layer of Tuscan Olive Spread so I use 1 1/2 jars when making the full recipe.  The leftover tapenade can be used in salad dressings, pastas, or on crackers. 

For a heated Muffuletta, preheat the oven to 350°F.  Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet.  Make a foil 'tent' to cover, by sticking a wooden tooth pick in each sandwich, then placing the foil over the top, tucking the foil under the sides of the baking sheet to secure.  The idea is to keep the foil from touching the cheese.  Heat in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts.  Slice as above and serve hot.

Links to Products used in this Recipe: Tuscan Olive  Spread