Crostini (Italian Croutons)

(United States)

Ingredients and Instructions:

Crostini are the Italian version of croutons. This flavor-filled recipe makes use of chives, whose allium-family properties promote heart-health, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and help to fight cancer. All this and they taste great, too!

Crostini are versatile: they make crunchy, fun appetizers on their own or with cheese, and they add flavor and appeal to soups. And they're so simple to make that it's easy to keep a container of them on hand.

INGREDIENTS

1 slender French baguette or crusty loaf of Italian bread

5/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

1 French red shallot, peeled and chopped

1 teaspoon grated Parmagiano-Reggiano cheese

1/8 teaspoon paprika

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.

2. Slice the bread into 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch rounds. Place the rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet and set aside.

3. In a blender or food processor, combine the oil, chives, shallots, cheese, and paprika 10 seconds, or until the ingredients are well mixed. Pour into a small bowl.

4. With a pastry brush, brush half the chive-oil mixture onto the bread rounds. Bake in the middle rack of the oven 7 - 10 minutes. Turn the slices over, brush with the remaining chive-oil mixture, and bake another 7 minutes, or until golden.

5. Allow the crostini to cool to room temperature, then serve or place in airtight container for future use.