Inspiration

I’ve always known that I would have to marry a man who loved food. LOVED food … and wine, of course. NOT just beer, although that is an artform in itself, in my opinion. I’ve dated the not so culinary inclined … suffice to say it hasn’t lasted.

One of the key reasons why the guy has to love food as much as I do is because of my family … and friends. They, like me, believe that life should revolve around food. Good food. And lots of it.

My mother Carol is a wonderful cook. Much better than I’ll ever be, but one dish in particular that brings everyone to the kitchen is her roasted red pepper and goatcheese crustini. Literally my father and one of my best friend’s Nick can inhale an entire baquette in under 3 minutes. No question.

One of the best things about having a family that loves to cook is that inevitably friends hear, and if they don’t cook, they learn from us. One such instance is when my friend Cassie tried to re-create this crustini. Well she told me, and I quote, “craved it” and had to make it.

Carol’s take on it is this, slice a baquette down so that there are two pieces, put them under the broiler until toasted and rub a glove of garlic on the warm bread. Then use soften goat cheese (leave on the counter while you prepare the bread, to soften) and spread it on top. Next top with roasted red peppers and pancetta. At this point any variation can be done. Throw it back under the broiler until cheese is bubbling. Pop out and spinkle balsamic vinegar ontop.

Sounds simple. It is. So dig in. And if you happen to be at my house when one of these is being made, you better get ‘em fast.