California Style Rustic Bruschetta Food

ROASTED GARLIC BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• Bruschetta:
• Grill or toast the bread under a broiler, on both sides, until golden. Brush with the oil and sprinkle with salt. Spread with the roasted garlic.
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• Roasted Garlic:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Rub off any loose papery skin from the garlic, and trim about a 1/2 inch off the top of each head, to expose the cloves. Set the garlic snugly in an ovenproof baking dish just large enough to hold them. Drizzle with the oil and season with the salt and pepper. Cover with foil and cook for about 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake until the heads are soft and the tops golden brown, another 30 minutes. Allow garlic to cool.
• Serve the garlic whole for a rustic garnish, or break the heads apart and squeeze the garlic out of skins to eat the whole clove. To store the garlic, place it in a container and cover with olive oil. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use skinned roasted garlic to season mashed potatoes, in salad dressings, to flavor and thicken sauces, or on sauteed or roasted vegetables.

RUSTIC TUSCAN PEPPER BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, honey and mint. Add peppers; toss to coat. Let stand 15 minutes., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat goat cheese and cream cheese. Spread 1 rounded teaspoon on each cracker. Drain peppers well. Arrange peppers on cheese-topped crackers.

CALIFORNIA STYLE RUSTIC BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Combine onion and 2 tablespoons olive oil in large saute pan over medium heat. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook until onions are soft and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, toss mushrooms and artichoke hearts with 3 tablespoons olive oil on a medium baking sheet. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes, until everything is golden brown. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F.
• Combine caramelized onions, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and sun dried tomatoes in a large bowl. Set aside.
• Cut baguette into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place slices on a large baking sheet, and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until crisp but not browned. Set aside.
• Combine mascarpone cheese, minced garlic, minced shallots, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until combined.
• Spread toasted baguette slices with the mascarpone mixture, then top with mushroom mixture. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese.