Tapenade And Asiago Crostini Food

TAPENADE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Add the red peppers, kalamata and pimento-stuffed olives, garlic, red pepper flakes and some salt and pepper to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times, adding enough olive oil to loosen the mixture to a loose paste. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more garlic or red pepper flakes if desired.
• Spread the crostini with a bit of pesto and spoon on a big dollop of the tapenade. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

LARDO CROSTINI

Steps:

• Chop the lard very finely using a very sharp knife. Add the sage, rosemary and zest and season with salt and pepper. Mix well with the back of your knife or your hands. Alternatively, transfer the lard paste into a bowl and combine with a spoon.
• Serve on slices of unsalted Tuscan bread.

CROSTINI WITH TUNA TAPENADE

Steps:

• Drain all but a tablespoon of olive oil from the tuna and then flake the fish into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the anchovy paste, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, and garlic and pulse a few times. Add the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and the mascarpone and process until almost smooth. Add the olives, capers, salt, and pepper and pulse just to incorporate. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, heat a gas or charcoal grill or preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Brush the bread lightly on one side with olive oil. Grill the crostini on both sides until lightly browned or arrange the bread on a sheet pan and bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
• Mound the tapenade on each toast, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

ROASTED GARLIC SOUP WITH ASIAGO CROSTINI

Steps:

• Make the soup: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves and remove any excess papery skins. Place on a large sheet of foil; drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Close the foil around the garlic, leaving a space between the tops and the foil, and place on a baking sheet. Roast until soft and fragrant, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove from the foil, let cool and squeeze out the garlic into a bowl.
• In a large heavy soup pot (preferably enameled cast iron) over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the roasted garlic and cook, stirring, until slightly thick, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and cook until a dark golden roux forms, stirring frequently, 5 to 6 more minutes. Add 1 cup chicken stock and stir to incorporate, then repeat until all of the stock has been added. Add 2 cups water in 1-cup increments, stirring after each. Add the Italian seasoning, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, and stir to combine well. Bring to a simmer and cook 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the crostini: Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the paprika and oregano and mix well. Place the bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with the oil-spice mixture. Top each slice with about 1 teaspoon cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the bread is starting to crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add the cream to the soup and cook at a very low simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 more minutes. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle into small mugs or bowls; top with parsley and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with the crostini.