Bruschetta, Crostini, and Other Italian Snacks

Book excerpt: Bruschetta, Crostini and Other Italian Snacks make perfect antipasti or appetizers before an Italian meal. They can also be served as party food, a light lunch with salad or a casual supper when you come home late. What's the difference between bruschetta and crostini? Bruschetta is good crusty Italian bread, toasted over a wood fire or cooked on an iron stove-top grill pan, then rubbed with garlic and anointed with olive oil. Crostini are brushed with olive oil then cooked in the oven, or sauted in olive oil or butter-they make perfect party food. Sample her crostini toppings such as Prosciutto-Wrapped Bocconcini or Tuna, Black Olives and Capers. Maxine's other Italian Snacks are also perfect to serve with cocktails and include recipes such as Parmesan Crisps and Mozzarella in Carrozza. Maxine Clark provides delicious ideas from her extensive knowledge of Italian cuisine to instruct on toppings for bruschetta and crostini. Her Bruschetta recipes include Garlic Mushroom