Goat Cheese in Bright Red Tomato Sauce

 

I have been to several restaurants this summer which offered appetizers similar to this one. The basic idea: creamy goat cheese floating in a spicy tomato sauce. I decided to try my own version of this served with slices of toasted garlic bread. I admit, a bit decadent, but one tasty appetizer.
 

Ingredients:

• 1 small french baguette, cut into 1/2 inch slices
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 large clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes (I like roasted tomatoes)
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 ounces crumbled goat cheese

• 1 bunch chives, chopped

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2) To make the garlic bread, place the baguette slices flat on a baking sheet. Whisk the garlic with the olive oil, and brush onto both sides of each slice.

3) Place in the oven for about 7 minutes (but keep an eye on them so they don't burn). When they look golden and crispy, flip each slice over and cook for another 7 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

4) In the meantime, add the olive oil, red pepper flakes and garlic to a cold pan. Turn the heat to medium-high and saute for a minute or two (don't brown the garlic). Mix in the crushed tomatoes and heat until barely simmering. Remove heat, stir in the salt and lemon zest, and pour contents into a shallow, oven proof bowl.

5) Sprinkle the goat cheese over the tomato sauce and place under a broiler for about 10 minutes. Once the goat cheese has browned a little, remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped chives.

6) Spoon over slices of garlic bread.