Garlicky Roasted Red Pepper and Almond Dip Recipe

"Back again?" (no smile)

That's the response I got from the cashier when I returned to my local market for the third time in three days.

"Wow, you must really love peppers." (eye roll)

That's what she said when I gently placed my nine red bell peppers on the conveyor belt. That's after having bought six the previous day and three before that, all with the same cashier. Does she ever go home?

I took umbrage neither to her eye rolling nor to her indelicate handling of my pristine peppers. If she doesn't realize the mind-blazing deal of red bell peppers 3 for $1, then I can't help her. I also won't be sharing my garlicky roasted red pepper and almond dip with her. So, there.



This recipe is inspired by my friend Simona from the authentically Italian blog, Briciole. If you don't know Simona, then I suggest you visit her. You'll feel like you just spent some time under the Tuscan sun.

Garlicky Roasted Red Pepper and Almond Dip
Makes just over 1 cup.
Printable recipe.

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1/2 cup blanched almonds, lightly toasted
1 1/4 cups drained roasted red peppers
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
A couple of pinches of salt

1. In a small pan over medium-low heat, warm olive oil. Add red pepper flakes and sliced garlic, and saute until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as it can burn quickly! Remove from heat.

2. Grind almonds in a food processor. Add garlic-oil, roasted red peppers, vinegar and a pinch of salt. Process until a thick sauce forms. Taste, and salt as desired. Cover and refrigerate, but bring to room temperature before serving.

You might also enjoy these red bell pepper appetizer recipes: 
Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Spread recipe from Family Style Food
Roasted Red Pepper Dip with Feta and Mint recipe from Kalyn's Kitchen
Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade recipe from Food Blogga
Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Hummus Crostini recipe from The Perfect Pantry
Mini Grilled Pizzas with Shrimp and Roasted Red Pepper Pesto recipe from Cookin Canuck

Would You Travel 3,000 Miles for Fig Marmalade?

When most people travel they splurge on expensive things like jewelry. Me? I traveled 3,000 miles from San Diego to Providence to buy a $3.29 cent bottle of fig, anise, and sesame marmalade.

Though I ate most of it straight out of the bottle with a spoon, I was able to save enough to make this Fig, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Crostini.

Then, I couldn't stop eating the crostini. It's no wonder. Crunchy ciabatta bread was topped with sweet fig marmalade, salty prosciutto, and tangy goat cheese.



(This marmalade is from Hallak Middle East Market. 1455 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, RI 02904. 401-354-8677.)

Before making this crostini -- which you just have to do -- select a really good Italian or Mediterranean deli/market to get the best ingredients possible. As for the fig marmalade, different varieties are available at both Italian and Middle Eastern markets.

If you want the best fig marmalade though, book a ticket on Southwest to the PVD airport (they're currently running a sale). Then call my mom for directions.



Fig, Proscuitto, and Goat Cheese Crostini
Serves 8-10
Print recipe only here.

1 loaf ciabatta, cut into 8-10 equal size slices
8 ounces (1 cup) goat cheese
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8-10 slices prosciutto (about 4 ounces)
8 ounces (8 tablespoons) fig marmalade or jelly

Place bread slices on a large baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile in a small bowl mix goat cheese, olive oil, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Spread each slice of toasted bread with 1 ounce of fig marmalade, then 1 slice of prosciutto; top with 1/8 of the goat cheese mixture. Repeat with remaining slices.

You might also like these appetizers:

Camembert and Kumquat Chutney Toasts




Roasted Pepper, Olive, and Brie Bruschetta




Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade




More delicious crostini:
Crostini of Creamy Mushroom with Lemon and Mint at Kitchenography
Kale and Myzithra Crostini at Mediterranean Cooking in Alaska
Italian Style 7-Layer Dip for Crostini at Ms. Adventures in Italy
Sun-Dried Tomato Jam Crostini at Feasts and Fotos

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Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade

I don't know where I went wrong. Three years of high school French and one graduate school semester of reading French, and I can still barely string together an intelligible sentence. C'est terrible!

I have accepted the fact that a French pre-schooler could speak circles around me, but as long as I can say some words, like aubergine, I'm content.

Aubergine doesn't look or sound anything like its English counterpart "eggplant." But, oh, how I wish it did. Let's be honest, could there be a less appealing name than "eggplant"? I mean, it's not an egg or a plant. Plus, phonetically, it's just not pleasing; it's harsh and flat.

Aubergine, however, flows elegantly out of one's mouth. I daresay it's almost too attractive a word for the vegetable is signifies. (In botanical terms, an eggplant is actually a fruit, but it's cooked and eaten like a vegetable).

Fortunately I'm mature enough to look beyond such petty issues and appreciate eggplant's attributes. A heavy, firm, eggplant with a glossy purple-black skin borders on the regal. And its flesh, though just an unassuming off-white color, becomes enticingly rich and creamy when cooked. Like a chameleon, eggplant has the ability to transform itself: when grilled, it is appetizingly smoky flavored and tender; when fried, it is irresistibly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

My current favorite is Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade. (Here's how to make roasted red peppers.)

The wonderful charred flavor of the eggplant is only enhanced with a boldly flavorful tapenade of savory roasted red peppers, salty olives, and fragrant fresh herbs. Since the flavors of this tapenade improve with time, you can make it a day ahead, then bring it to room temperature before serving. It makes an ideal appetizer for a party since it's easy to assemble and makes an attractive presentation.



I'm bringing a big plate of my Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade to Susan's Blogiversary Party over at Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy. I just know that girl is gonna be the life of the party!

Also, I'll be sharing some with dear Simona of Briciole who has chosen eggplants, melanzane, for the current round of Fresh Produce of the Month created by Marta of An Italian in the US. First aubergine, now melanzana. It's just too much.

Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade
Serves 8
Print recipe only here.

2 medium eggplants, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 16-20 slices)
enough olive oil for brushing each slice on both sides

Tapenade:
1/2 cup finely chopped homemade roasted peppers (or bottled peppers)
1/2 cup finely chopped mixed olives (such as Kalamata and Cerignola)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 heaping tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, oregano, and parsley)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt, to taste

Garnish:
4 tablespoons feta or goat cheese
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
additional herbs, for optional garnish
extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Mix all of the tapenade ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. (This can be made a day ahead.)

Preheat a grill to high. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush olive oil on both sides of the eggplant slices. Grill the eggplant for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until grill marks form and the flesh becomes tender.

Place eggplant slices on a serving dish and top each with a dollop of tapenade. Sprinkle with cheese, toasted pine nuts, and additional herbs. Just before serving, drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil.

Note: If you don't have a grill, then you can broil the eggplant slices in the oven instead.


You might also like these other party-friendly dishes:

Chipotle Barbecue Bean and Corn Salad





Spinach, Nutmeg, and Ricotta Pie





Fresh Pineapple, Banana, and Pistachio Cake with Rum Icing





Almond Biscotti






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Fresh Fig, Arugula, and Mascarpone Bruschetta

Figs are food for the gods.

Fresh figs have a preciously short season (typically from August-October), so now is the time to indulge. Though the vast majority of figs are produced here in California because of its Mediterranean climate, they can be found in most supermarkets across the country. This is a good thing since fresh figs are di rigeur, appearing in everything from sweet jams and tarts to savory salads and chutneys. And let's not forget the touch of grace they add to crostini, pasta and pizza.

These captivating tear-drop shaped fruit are singular in appearance, flavor, and texture. First they lure you in with their sweet perfume. Then they tempt you with delicate skin that is lush with ripeness, revealing droplets of golden honeyed nectar. One bite reveals an irresistibly attractive pink flesh that is second only to its swoon-worthy soft, cool, creamy flesh.

Fresh figs are not at all like dried figs (which I also love), so there are few things to know about them.



Here's how to select fresh figs:

1. Look for richly colored, plump, unblemished fruits with the stems intact. The skins of figs often have a powdery finish, which is normal. They should be tender to the touch, but not squishy. Fully ripe figs often ooze a clear, syrupy substance clear which is a good indicator of its sweetness.
2. If you're not too embarrassed, then take a good whiff. Ripe fresh figs usually emit a delicately sweet fragrance.
3. Since figs do not ripen once they're picked, it’s best to eat them as soon as possible. Otherwise, place unwashed figs in an air-tight container and cover with a piece of paper towel; they should last 1-2 days.
   
4. Bring figs to room temperature prior to eating, which will enhance their flavor. Wash them gently, remove the stem, and enjoy.
   

Some fig purists wouldn't dream of adulterating fresh figs with any condiments and will only eat them out of hand. However, like vine-ripened, succulent strawberries, their sweetness is magnified when balanced by salty, bitter, or sour flavors. That's why figs get along so beautifully with salty cured meats like prosciutto, bitter greens like arugula, and sour flavors like vinegar. I needn't tell you that they are divine in desserts ranging from delicate pastries to homey crisps.

This Fig and Mascarpone Bruschetta is a simple yet stylish appetizer. You really don't need a recipe for it. Just follow my basic outline, and feel free to improv. Don't skip the lemon though; it has an amazing ability to counterbalance the fig's sweetness. For a variation, try fresh ricotta cheese instead of mascarpone or add some prosciutto slices.

So, tell me, how do you like to eat fresh figs?

Fresh Fig, Arugula, and Mascarpone Bruschetta
Print recipe only here.

Select a hard, crusty bread of your choice, such as ciabatta. Make thick slices, and brush with extra virgin olive oil. Broil or toast until golden and crisp.

Quarter the fresh figs. In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm 1 teaspoon of olive oil per 1 quartered fig. Saute for 2 minutes, or until lightly browned and caramelized.

Spread about 2 teaspoonfuls of mascarpone cheese on each toasted bread slice. Top each slice with some fresh arugula, 2 fig quarters, a splash of aged balsamic vinegar, a splash of lemon juice, some kosher salt crystals and freshly ground black pepper, and several thin slices of fresh basil. Garnish with lemon zest curls if desired, and serve immediately.

You might also like:

Fresh Fig and Fennel Pizza





Goat Cheese and Poblano Quesadillas with Pineapple-Mango Habanero Salsa




Roasted Pepper, Olive, and Brie Bruschetta





Spinach, Nutmeg, and Ricotta Pie




My friend Chris over at Melecotte has been basking in figgy goodness lately. Be sure to check out her Upside Down Fresh Fig Cake, Figgy Fig Chicken Pockets and more fig recipes.


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A Fava Bean by Any Other Name Would Taste as Good

Finally, the wait is over! Fava beans are in season. They appeared for the first time last Sunday, and I couldn't be happier. I know how hard the wait has been on you too, but you can rest easy now. Well don't rest too easily. Fava beans have a depressingly short season--usually just 4-5 weeks in April-May.

Fava (FAH vah) beans, like artichokes, asparagus, and English peas are a hallmark of spring time produce. These meaty, chewy legumes are exceptionally flavorful; they're similar in taste to edamame and have the firm texture of lima/butter beans. In general, the larger the pod, the better the bean. So when you see them, buy them, even if they're $3.00-4.00/pound. You won't be disappointed.

And don't worry about what to call them. According to Wiki and Cook's Thesaurus, you're correct if you say Vicia faba, broad bean, butter bean, faba bean, English bean, field bean, horse bean, tic bean, or Winsdor bean. I'm not making this up. I think someone actually wrote a dissertation entitled "The Many Appellations of the Bean, Fava."

So call 'em whatever you want, just don't miss them. And follow these instructions for shelling. They take a little effort because you have to shell them twice, but trust me, they're worth it.

1. Snap the top off of the pod. Sometimes the pod will split easily down the seam, but sometimes you have to squeeze and twist the pod with your fingers till it pops and the beans are exposed.
   
2. Remove the beans and discard the shells.
3. Now you need to remove the waxy casing that encloses the fava bean. The easiest way is to boil the beans for 2 minutes, then drain them, and plunge in a bowl of ice water. Now for the fun part-- squeeze the casing gently between your thumb and forefinger and watch the fava bean pop out! Discard the waxy shell.
   
   

Now it's time to eat them, and you can eat a lot of them. A 1/2 cup of boiled fava beans is just over 90 calories and contains nearly 7 grams of protein and 5 grams of dietary fiber. They're high in calcium, iron, and folate. So enjoy them in salads, soups, pastas, and risottos. Or mash 'em up in spreads and dips.

I'm sending this recipe to Jai and Bee of Jugalbandi, the hosts of this week's Weekend Herb Blogging created by Kalyn of Kalyn's Kitchen.



Fava Bean and Dill Crostini
Yields 3/4-1 cup
Print recipe only here.

3/4 cup shelled fava beans (about 1-1 1/4 pounds fresh fava beans in the shell)
1/2 cup red potato, diced
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Meyer lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
7-8 cranks black pepper
3 tablespoons fresh minced dill
2 tablespoons grated Reggiano-Parmigiano cheese
4 tablespoons water, or as needed
salt, to taste

1 baguette

Boil the fava beans in a small pot for 2-3 minutes; drain, and plunge into a bowl of ice water.

Meanwhile in a small pot, boil potatoes for 10 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and let cool. Squeeze the casing gently between your thumb and forefinger and watch the fava bean pop out! Discard the waxy shells.

Place fava beans, potatoes, and remaining ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Use less water for a chunkier spread and more water for a smoother spread.

Toast bread slices. Spread bean mixture on toasts. Sprinkle with some sea salt, drizzle with some extra virgin oil oil, and top each with a sprig of fresh dill.

Note: If you can't find fava beans, then I suggest substituting lima/butter beans or edamame. I have also made this spread with fresh shelled English peas and fresh shelled sugar snap peas which are equally delicious.

You might also like:

• Roasted pepper, olive, and brie bruschetta
• Warm three pea and radish salad
• Pasta shells in creamy saffron sauce with shrimp and fresh peas

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What's the Difference Between Bruschetta and Crostini?

Bruschetta and crostini? What's the difference?

They’re both wildly popular, easy-to-make Italian appetizers of toasted bread with toppings.

However, when the sweet Shn of Mishmash! asked me about this a while back, I really had to think about it.

In my family, bruschetta was toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil, tomatoes, and basil, while smaller slices of toasted bread with various toppings were called crostini.

I wanted to provide you with a more thorough explanation of the difference between the two, so I explained to Jeff that we needed to take a trip to Italy to conduct research for my blog. We were all packed to go until Bernanke cut the fed two more bits yesterday thereby dropping the dollar further against the Euro, quashing our plans. So instead I just Googled it.

Brushcetta, from the Italian "bruscare," which means "to roast over coals," refers to the bread, not the toppings. Rather large slices of bread are grilled, rubbed with garlic, then drizzled with olive oil. They are usually topped with tomatoes and basil, though other toppings from meats to vegetables can be used.

Crostini, "little toasts," are thinner, smaller slices of bread (usually from a baguette) that are always toasted then piled with various toppings, such as vegetables, savory spreads, and cheeses.

Honestly, technicalities beyond that just aren't important. If it’s crispy bread toasted with olive oil and piled with savory toppings and cheese, just call it “irresistible.” Then make some for the next party you're going to where everyone will love you for it.

That’s why I'm bringing my Roasted Pepper, Olive, and Brie Bruschetta (not crostini -- did you see the size of those bread slices?) to lovely Mansi’s Game Night party. This is a fast, easy, and vegetarian recipe, which is just what Mansi wants. With garlicky roasted peppers, salty olives, and creamy Brie cheese, this is flavorful, classy bruschetta that takes 15 minutes to make.

What's your favorite way to make
bruschetta or crostini?

Roasted Pepper, Olive, and Brie Bruschetta
Print recipe only here.

Topping:
2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup minced cured olives, such as Kalamata and Cerignola
1 cup bottled roasted red and yellow peppers (thinly sliced or diced)
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

8-10 ounces of soft Brie cheese, sliced, or 1 ounce per slice of bread
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
extra chopped fresh parsley, optional garnish

Bruschetta:
1 loaf of crusty Italian bread, such as Ciabatta sliced into 8-10 thick slices
1 whole garlic clove, paper removed
4-5 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil (about 1/2 teaspoon per slice)

To toast the pinenuts, place in a dry skillet over medium heat. Gently shake the pan handle to ensure even toasting, for about 1 minute, or until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, olives, roasted peppers, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined. (This topping can be made up to a day or two in advance and placed in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before applying to bruschetta.)

Grill bread slices on an outdoor grill (or on a grill pan indoors, like I did) until lightly charred and crispy. You could also place them under the broiler. Rub each toasted slice with the raw garlic clove and drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil.

While the bread is still warm, top with brie then olive mixture. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and extra chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Vegetarians, please avert your eyes.

When I made this bruschetta, I served it with shrimp for added protein (and because Jeff loves shrimp). It makes a fast and easy mid-week dinner.

Serves 2

2 teaspoons olive oil
12-14 jumbo shrimp, deveined and cleaned
the juice of 1/2 a lemon (about 2 teaspoons)
season with salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley, optional
extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil. Once warm, add shrimp, and saute for 5-7 minutes, turning shrimp once or twice until opaque and crispy. When almost finished, season with lemon juice, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place shrimp on a plate, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

You might also like:
Spinach, Nutmeg, and Ricotta Calzones
Watercress, Seckel Pear, and Brie Salad
Mediterranean Jacket Potatoes
Homemade Pizza with Fennel Sausage and Rapini

Other bruschetta posts you might like:
All about bruschetta from Chickspeak.
Pear and Squash Bruschetta from Chef Mark Porcaro, featured on Pear Panache.

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