Having friends and family over for the big game? Convito’s has you covered–these appetizers are definitely not the old “stand-bys.”
Bruschetta with Tomato, Mozzarella & Balsamic Reduction
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
1 baguette (sliced 1/4”) toasted
2 cups fresh mozzarella (diced in small pieces)
3 cups plum tomatoes (seeded then diced into small pieces)
1/2 cup leaves fresh basil (julienned)
1/4 cup Olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
Directions:
Mix together above ingredients. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the above ingredients on top of each toasted baguette slice.
Balsamic reduction:
Pour vinegar into a small stainless steel sauce pan. Bring to a boil and reduce on medium heat or until the vinegar turns to a glaze.
Drizzle balsamic reduction over bruschetta as pictured.
Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed with Guacamole
Serves 4
For a change to the old standard chips and guacamole, and for a healthier version, try this!
Ingredients:
16 Cherry Tomatoes
1 pint guacamole (Convito sells pre-made guacamole, or any good market has delicious guacamole. If you want to make it yourself, just mash avocados, and add salt, pepper, lime and whatever spices you like!)
Directions:
Cut the top off of each cherry tomato (at the point where the vine meets the tomato).
Scoop out seeds with small spoon.
Scoop 1 tbsp (or whatever fits, as cherry tomatoes vary in size) of guacamole into each tomato. Serve cold.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Tartlets
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
20 Savory tartlet shells. Convito sells pre-made tartlet shells in a box by Sable & Rosenfeld. Some places sell them frozen. Ask your local market.
- 1 bag spinach (1 lb)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh ricotta
- salt & pepper to taste
- Grated parmesan for garnish
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Saute spinach over medium heat with olive oil and garlic. Let it cool. Mix spinach with ricotta cheese, salt & pepper. Spoon into tartlet shells. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese.
Bake in oven for 10 minutes. Serve either warm or room temperature.
