BRUSCHETTA serve with sliced baguette 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1/2-inch slices4 cloves garlic, sliced in half 1/3 cup olive oil 1/8 cup chopped fresh basil or 1/2 tsp. dried 4-5 medium, ripe tomatoes, peeled, coarsely chopped and drained in a strainer for 20 min. pinch of freshly ground black pepper freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired Directions:Combine oil, basil and pepper in a large bowl and whisk together. Add drained tomatoes to the dressing and toss to coat. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, maybe 30. Toast bread slices on both sides under the broiler. When toasted, rub the cut side of the garlic on the top of each slice. Top each with some of the tomato mixture. You may serve this now or, if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and return to the broiler until it melts...it doesn't take long. (This is also good with freshly-baked warm baguette - not toasted! CHEESEBALL 1 8-ox block Cream Cheese 1 - 1 1/2 lbs. sharp cheddar cheese 3 T worcestershire sauce 3 T minced onion 3 cloves crushed garlic 1 T lemon pepper seasoning 1/2 t. liquid smoke or smoke flavoring generous! dusting cayenne pepper Mix all together well, turn out of bowl onto saran wrap. Place another shet of wrap on top, and mold like play-dough into any shape you can imagine. Christmas trees are pretty in an upright cone or a flat triangle at Christmas time...press on dried bay leave, basil, parsley or cilantro all around to make it green. Chopped pimientos pressed in at random resemble Christmas balls. I have also made a little baby carriage'; return true;" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 3px double; TEXT-DECORATION: none" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;" href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=22&k=baby%20carriage">baby carriage, with a slice of thin corned beef hanging over the edge as a "blanket". Or, a ball with grooves pressed into the side with a knife and some clean silk ivy leaves tucked into a deep indentaion in the top to make a pumpkin. A heart coated with paprika is cute for Valentine's Day. and, you can make the shape of anyone's initial on a platter for their b-day or other special occasion.
