ROASTED RED PEPPER PESTO CROSTINI

ROASTED RED PEPPER PESTO CROSTINI image

Categories Pepper

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 baguette, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/4 cup plus 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, peeled
2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded and
coarsely chopped
2 Tbs. slivered almonds, toasted
3 Tbs. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 oz. goat cheese

Steps:

Preheat an electric panini press according to the manufacturer's instructions. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly on both sides with the 1/4 cup olive oil. Working in batches, place the bread slices on the preheated panini press and cook until light golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet. While the crostini are still warm, rub the top of each one with 1 of the garlic cloves. Set aside. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the red peppers, the remaining garlic clove, the almonds, cheese, 3 Tbs. of the parsley, the lemon juice, the 2 tsp. olive oil and the cayenne pepper. Pulse until a coarse puree forms. Season with salt and black pepper. Preheat an oven to 350°F.