Marinated Mozzarella Roasted Bell Pepper And Olive Brochettes Food

MARINATED MOZZARELLA, ROASTED BELL PEPPER, AND OLIVE BROCHETTES

Steps:

• To Roast Peppers
• Using a long-handled fork char the peppers over an open flame, turning them, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the skins are blackened. (Or broil the peppers on the rack of a broiler pan under a preheated broiler about 2 inches from the heat, turning them every 5 minutes, for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the skins are blistered and charred.) Transfer the peppers to a bowl and let them steam, covered, until they are cool enough to handle. Keeping the peppers whole, peel them starting at the blossom end, cut the tops, and discard the seeds and ribs. (Wear rubber gloves when handling chilies.)
• In a bowl or resealable heavy plastic bag combine the mozzarella, the oil, the garlic, the vinegar, the orégano, the basil, the thyme, and salt and pepper to taste and let the cheese marinate for at least 4 hours at room temperature or chilled overnight. Thread a mozzarella cube, an olive half, and a roasted pepper square onto each of the wooden picks and arrange the brochettes on a platter. The hors d'oeuvres may be made 4 hours in advance and kept covered.

MARINATED ROASTED PEPPERS, OLIVES AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Set oven control to broil.
• Broil bell peppers with tops about 5 inches from heat, turning occasionally, until skin is blistered and evenly browned. Place peppers in a plastic bag and close tightly. Let stand 20 minutes.
• Remove skin, stems, seeds and membranes from peppers. Cut peppers into 1/4-inch strips. Place peppers, olives and cheese in glass bowl or jar.
• Shake remaining ingredients in tightly covered container; pour over pepper mixture. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.
• Store tightly covered in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

MARINATED MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine first 7 ingredients; add cheese cubes. Stir to coat. Cover; refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

ROASTED AND MARINATED BELL PEPPERS

Steps:

• Brush grill with oil; heat to medium hot. Grill peppers until blackened, 8 to 12 minutes. Let peppers cool in a paper bag. Peel and seed, saving juices. Cut into 1-inch strips.
• In a bowl, combine garlic, vinegar, thyme, salt, pepper, and any pepper juices. Gradually whisk in oil. Toss peppers with vinaigrette, and arrange on a platter to serve.

SMOKED MOZZARELLA AND ROASTED PEPPER WITH OLIVE DRESSING ON ITALIAN BREAD

Steps:

• In a blender blend the olives, the lemon juice, the oil, the garlic, and the cayenne until the mixture is smooth and brush the cut sides of the bread with the olive dressing. Divide the roasted pepper, the mozzarella, and the basil among the bottom halves of the bread and cover the sandwiches with the top halves of the bread, pressing them firmly.