Recipes
Toasts for Tastes and Toasts
For a simple but elegant appetizer, begin by making some toasts. Vary the size, depending on whether you will be standing or sitting and what you plan to put on top of them. They can be made with country bread, French bread, Italian bread, sourdough bread--whatever strikes your fancy or whatever you happen to have.
- Slices of bread
- Garlic cloves (optional)
- Good olive oil (or butter)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)
Toast the bread under the broiler, over an open fire (even over your gas flame), or in your toaster. While the toast is still hot, rub with garlic clove, if desired. Then, drizzle with olive oil and season to taste.
Alternatively, heat the oil (or butter) in a sautée pan, lightly sautée bread slices on both sides. Rub with garlic, if desired, and season.
Toppings for Toasts
These versatile toasts can be served plain during your wine tasting, served as an accompaniment to pâté and cheese platter, lathered with one of the following spreads, broiled again with chèvre (or, maybe, a good manchego) and fig slices, or piled high with any topping that sounds good.
Truffle Butter
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, slightly softened
- 3 tablespoons truffle slices, minced*
- Coarse sea salt to taste
Whip the butter with a fork until smooth. Add truffles and salt and stir until just blended. Fill ramekin or other small dish with truffle butter. Serve on plate with small toasts, with garnish of fresh herbs. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for several days or freeze.
Cannellini Bean Spread
- 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans
- 1 tablespoons good olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated orange rind
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 garlic clove (optional)
- Lemon juice to taste
- White pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
In food processor, combine all ingredients and process until smooth. Adjust seasoning. Fill ramekin or other small dish with spread. Serve with toast on a plate garnished wtih fresh herbs. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
* We highly recommend www.vervacious.com as a source for truffles.