Tasty Tuesday - Romantic Italian Toast

I made this as an appetizer to ease the hungry monsters (aka teen boys) while our pizza baked. However, it turned romantic once the creatures left hubby and I alone in the kitchen with our glasses of wine. This toast makes a nice snack with wine while enjoying a fire in the fireplace on a quiet evening.

 Italian Toast Guide and Recipe

Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

25 mins

·         Extra virgin olive oil

·         Kosher or Sea salt

·         Freshly ground black pepper

·         Dried oregano (optional)

·         Dried thyme (optional)

·         Garlic (optional)

·         Hot red pepper flakes (optional)

Process

1. Start by slicing a good quality baguette into ½ inch pieces and set on a large cookie pan. Drizzle olive oil on one side of the bread followed by the salt, pepper, and dry oregano.

2. Place the cookie sheet in your oven and set to broil and watch the bread carefully; as soon as you begin to see the bread turn brow remove from the oven.

The toast is great alone or add sliced/shredded Italian cheese during last 5 min of baking.

Here is our favorite topping to put on cooled toast:

Tomato-Basil 

Ingredients

·         Simple Crostini

·        3 Roman tomatoes diced

·         several fresh basil leaves, roll and slice

·         1 tablespoon(s) olive oil

·         1 teaspoon(s) red-wine vinegar

·        1 clove garlic diced fine

·          Coarse salt & Ground pepper

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil, and red-wine vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Let sit for at least 5 min. Top toast with topping.

Have fun "playing" in the kitchen together. Couples can relax, laugh and steal some romantic moments...even with teens around. Be prepared for teens to roll their eyes and say, "Ewe!" as they walk away to give you privacy.

This recipe is a great way to use leftovers. I like to use French bread I purchase off the "day old" rack at the market. I recommend to try a fruity wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or even a Pinot Grigo. The bright crisp qualities of these wines will match up to the acidity of the fresh tomatoes.   while the fruit will play up its sweet, juicy characteristics. Personally, I'm a sweet red wine drinker and won't eat fresh romas without it.