Bruschetta

Mediterranean Magic…

This dish captures all the flavours of warm Mediterranean summers. Its fragrant aroma infused a touch of sunshine to our New Years Eve celebrations when we served it as a starter even though temperatures outside were sub zero and we were a few thousand kilometres from the sunny Mediterranean…J J

Ingredients & Costing…
Ciabatta x 1 par baked	0.59
Red/yellow/green pepper x 1 of each	0.79
Red Onion x 1 Finely Sliced	0.15
Balsamic Vinegar x 3 tblsp	0.30
Pine Kernels x 10gm	0.33
Goats Cheese x 1 log	1.99
Pesto
Fresh Basil Leaves x 20gm	0.99
Fat Clove of Garlic x 1 crushed	0.05
Pine Kernels x 10gm	0.33
Extra Virgin Olive Oil x 4 tblsp	0.20
Reggiano Parmesan x 15gm grated	0.34
Maldon Sea Salt	0.05
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
3 Hearty Portions	€6.16

It Couldn’t be easier…
æ Finely slice the red onion & place in a small bowl with the balsamic vinegar - ideally you should leave this overnight allowing the onions to soak up the sweet balsamic flavour 
æ  Bake the ciabatta in an oven according to the instructions, allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Cut in half lengthwise cutting each length into 3 equal portions
æ Cut the peppers in 4 lengthwise removing stalk & seeds. Flatten each quarter with your hand & place skin side up under a hot grill, allow the skin to blacken & blister away from the flesh. When cool, using a sharp knife remove the charred skin
æ Combine fresh basil, crushed garlic, pine kernels, olive oil & a pinch of salt in the goblet of a liquidiser, mix to a smooth puree, transfer to a bowl & stir in the finely grated parmesan -hey presto… pesto!!
æ Assemble the bruschetta by spreading a generous teaspoon of pesto on the base of each ciabatta portion, add a thin layer of balsamic onions, arrange red/yellow/green peppers in diagonal strips on top, sprinkle with toasted pine kernels & crumbled goats cheese. Drizzle with olive oil & a grinding of black pepper
æ Place on a baking tray & bake on the centre shelf of a pre heated oven (gas mark 4) for 10-15 minutes until warm through
æ Serve with an extra drizzle of pesto, rocket salad & balsamic dressing
　
Health Matters…
Olive oil is one ingredient it is worth spending a little money on, it contains valuable antioxidants not contained in other oils and has been proven to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, maintain a healthy digestive tract, reduce the severity of asthma and arthritis, not to mention the delicious superior flavour … J J