Crostini: Memories are Made of This

My family loves crostini!  It's such a great appetizer and you can put just about anything you like in the filling under the melted mozzarella cheese slices. We like lots of basil!

In a great song that talks about home and family in the context of a recipe, here's Dean Martin singing "Memories are Made of This."

CROSTINI

2 baguette loaves (white or wheat), sliced in 1/4 inch slices at an angle

1/3 cup dry basil
1 6-ounce can of medium black olives, sliced
2 large beefsteak tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 small onion, diced

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 pound mozzarella (not fresh)

Cut loaves as directed.

Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.  Place bread slices in one layer very close together--even touching!  Set aside.

In a medium bowl combine basil, olives, tomatoes, and onion.  Set aside.

Cut mozzarella into 1/8 inch slices.  Set aside.

Put the oven rack on the second highest groove in the oven.  Turn broiler on high and place baking sheet with bread slices in oven.  Broil for 1-2 minutes, until crispy and almost golden brown.

Remove from oven and flip bread slices.  Put olive oil in a shallow bowl.  Dip the back of a spoon in the oil and swipe on top side of bread slices just flipped.  One dip usually can spread on 2 or 3 slices.

Broil on high for 2 minutes.  Remove from oven.

Using a 1/3 cup scoop, place a dollop of the basil mixture on each slice of bread.  It can be messy, so use your fingers to press the mixture so it stays on the slices of bread.

Place a slice of mozzarella on top of the mixture on each slice of bread.

Broil again for 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.  Remove from oven and serve immediately.