ANTIPASTO-STUFFED BAGUETTES

Antipasto-Stuffed Baguettes image

Yield Makes 24 hors d'oeuvres

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 small thin baguettes (each about 16 by 2 by 1 inch)
about 1/4 cup bottled olive paste or tapenade*
4 ounces mild goat cheese
1/4 pound thinly sliced Genoa salami or smoked turkey
2 cups packed arugula leaves, washed well and spun dry
a 7-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
a 13- to 14-ounce can whole artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed, patted dry, and chopped
*available at specialty foods shops and some supermarkets

Steps:

Cut top third off each baguette horizontally with a serrated knife and remove soft crumb from tops and bottoms, leaving shells about 1/2 inch thick.
Spread about 1 tablespoon olive paste or tapenade on inside of each bottom shell and top with goat cheese, spreading it evenly. Fold salami or turkey slices in half and fit them in an even layer over cheese in each shell. Arrange half of arugula on each meat layer and top with a layer of roasted peppers. Divide artichoke hearts between bottom shells and spread inside of top shells with remaining olive paste.
Fit top shells over bottom shells and press baguette together, re-forming loaves. Wrap each baguette tightly in foil and chill at least 3 hours or overnight.
Cut each baguette diagonally into 12 slices with a serrated knife and secure each slice with a wooden pick.