The Red Teapot

Tomato-Basil Crostini

1 1/2 cups fresh plum tomatoes, seeds and jelly removed, diced
1 Tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1 medium garlic clove, peeled & crushed
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Italian flat breads (4 oz each)
1 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste

PROCEDURES

Preheat oven to 400ºF. TOMATO-BASIL TOPPING
1.BLEND tomatoes, basil, first quantity of extra virgin olive oil and salt thoroughly. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. Just prior to serving, drain excess liquid.

Garlic-Infused Olive Oil
1.COMBINE crushed garlic to second quantity of extra virgin olive oil. Infuse (let soak) for one hour.

CROSTINI
1.LINE sheet pan or cookie sheet with foil.
2.DRIZZLE garlic-infused olive oil over flat bread; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
3.BAKE for 4-5 minutes until hot, but not crisped or dried.
4.TRANSFER flat breads to serving plate. Cut into wedges or 2" x 2" squares.
5.TOP each piece with chilled Tomato-Basil Topping. Serve immediately.

Sweet Potato Crisps Recipe

Ingredients
1 medium sweet potato (about 8 ounces), scrubbed
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Jalapeño-Cilantro Yogurt Spread, for dipping (optional; see recipe intro)

Instructions

1.Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle.

2.Slice the sweet potato into very thin rounds (1/16 inch thick; use a mandoline if you have one) and place in a large bowl. Add the oil, paprika, and salt and toss with your hands until thoroughly coated.

3.Place the slices in a single layer on 2 baking sheets—the rounds can be touching but should not overlap.

4.Bake one sheet at a time until the edges of the chips curl up, the centers are just golden brown, and the tops are dry to the touch, about 12 minutes. Place the baking sheet on a wire rack and let the chips cool until crisp, about 3 minutes. Using your hands, carefully transfer the chips to a serving dish. Repeat with the second sheet. Serve immediately with Jalapeño-Cilantro Yogurt Spread, if using.