Recipe of the Week
Basic Grilled Crostini
July 29, 2010

The crostini is the perfect bread accompaniment to many meals that we serve. It is very versatile and is used frequently in our cuisine. Serve it as a side to a main course such as pasta, or present it as a base for your favorite appetizer. However you choose to serve it or top it, your charcoal grill imparts a flavor that your guests will relish.

Ingredients:

*1 French bread baguette (I use the "Bread Machine French Bread" recipe)
*Extra virgin olive oil
* ½ teaspoon dry oregano
* ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
*3-4 cloves of fresh garlic cut in half

Directions:

1.) Bake or purchase a long loaf of French or Italian bread. Slice the bread thinly on the diagonal and arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2.) Sprinkle extra virgin olive oil on both sides of the bread.
3.) Season the bread with oregano and black pepper on both sides.
4.) Prepare enough charcoal in the grill to provide medium heat. When ready to cook, arrange the coals for direct cooking.
5.) Place the bread directly over the coals. Turn the bread after several minutes and toast the other side. Make sure that you check often during the grilling process so you do not burn the bread. Remove the bread from the grill and set aside until it is cool enough to handle.
6.) Take the garlic cloves and rub the cut side of the fresh garlic on both sides of the toasted bread.
7.) The crostini are now ready to be served or dressed with your favorite topping.

NOTE: Do not use any smoking wood when preparing your bread. The smoke flavor would be overpowering.