Pesto Bruschetta

I love a good appetizer and if I’m able to incorporate fresh produce into an Italian pre-dinner treat, I’m all for it!  Whenever my family and I go to an Italian restaurant we always start with bruschetta.  Over the years, my Dad has taken traditional brushetta and transformed it into something even more delicious - with pesto.  I hope you enjoy this little bite of heaven that my family can’t get enough of.

Pesto Bruschetta

1 baguette

4 small/medium vine ripened tomatoes

¼ cup pesto

¼ cup cheese (my favorite is the Quattro Formaggio cheese blend from Trader Joe’s, but a simple Parmigiana-Reggiano will do)

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 handful fresh basil, finely chopped

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Begin by cutting your baguette into 1 inch slices and place on cookie sheet.

Step 2: Generously spread pesto onto sliced baguette and sprinkle each slice with cheese. 

Step 3: Place your baguette slices into a preheated 350-degree oven.  Bake until cheese is golden brown and baguette slices are crisp on the edges (you may need to broil for the last minute).

Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper until well incorporated.

Step 5: Place tomato mixture on top of your crisp pesto and cheese baguette slices.  Voila, gourmet pesto brushetta! 

What’s your favorite Italian appetizer?

Appetizer Spotlight: Fig Baked Brie

Last time I was at home my Mom was raving to me about this delicious and super simple baked Brie she had at a friend’s house.  Needless to say, I was determined to give it a try.  The great thing about this appetizer is how easy it is to prepare and serve.  The sweetness of the fig nicely complements the saltiness of the cheese (my mouth is already watering.)  If you plan on bringing it as an appetizer beware, it disappears quickly!

Baked Brie with Fig Jam

1 Brie cheese round

1-2 tbsp Fig Jam

1 can Pillsbury crescent roll dough

Step 1: Carefully slice the Brie round exposing the soft cheese center.  You should now have two rounds.

Step 2: Generously spread fig jam onto Brie rounds then put rounds back together. 

Step 3: Unroll Pillsbury crescent roll dough and tear dough in half along the serrated line.  You should have two dough squares.

Step 4: Place Brie cheese round on dough, placing the second piece of dough on top.  Gently fold corners so that the dough covers the entire Brie.

Step 5: Place Brie on a cookie sheet and into your preheated 350-degree oven.  Bake until dough is golden brown and flaky.

***Serve with your favorite crackers for a spreadable and tantalizing appetizer.

How do you like serving Brie cheese?