Banana Hazelnut Bruschetta Food

ZUCCHINI-RICOTTA SALATA BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• Thinly slice a baguette; arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 425 degrees F until lightly golden, about 7 minutes. Let cool slightly.
• Slice a small zucchini into long ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Toss with lemon juice, olive oil and a big pinch of salt. Rub the warm toast rounds with a smashed garlic clove. Top with the zucchini, shaved ricotta salata and fresh pepper; drizzle with any juices from the zucchini.

PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• Toast bread in 350 degree F oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Rub lightly with garlic clove while still warm.
• Remove gills from mushrooms with spoon and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices. In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook mushrooms until softened, then add garlic stirring, until all liquid mushrooms give off is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Keep mushrooms warm, covered.
• Top toasted bread with sauteed mushrooms and tomato relish. Garnish with basil.
• Cut tomatoes in quarters, combine red onion, basil, vinegar, olive oil. Season, to taste, and let marinate for 15 minutes.

UPSIDEDOWN HAZELNUT BANANA CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter the cake pan.
• Toast the nuts and let them cool completely.
• In a food processor, grind the nuts with the sugar until very fine.
• Using a hand-held mixer, cream the butter; then add the sugar mixture. Add the eggs and mix. Add the sour cream and vanilla and stir. Mix in the banana puree. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt to make a smooth batter.
• To bake, cover the bottom of the cake pan with some of the warmed hazelnut schmear (microwave 40 seconds or so). Fan some banana slices over it and spoon in the batter.
• Bake until just set, about 35 to 40 minutes. Keep warm in a low oven and turn it out at the last minute.
• Melt the butter. Remove from the heat and whisk in the brown sugar and the nuts. Store in the refrigerator.