Big Al Roasted Red Peppers And Fresh Mozzarella Recipes

" BIG AL" - ROASTED RED PEPPERS AND FRESH MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Slice your favorite baguette.
• Douse with a balsamic vinaigrette (however you like your vinaigrette; I like garlic and shallots) Add thinly sliced tomatoes.
• Add a layer of roasted red peppers.
• Add a generous layer of sliced, fresh mozzarella.
• Sprinkle with herbs (thyme is good with this, or oregano) and salt and pepper.
• BIG AL is best when the flavors have had time to meld.
• It is one of the few sandwiches I make or order when eating at a local restaurant.

MOZZARELLA AND ROASTED RED PEPPER TOASTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place the bread slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with half the olive oil.
• Place a small amount of peppers on each slice of bread.
• Top each slice with a fresh mozzarella.
• Salt and pepper the breads to taste and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
• Cook for 10 - 15 minutes or until cheese begins to brown slightly.
• Serve immeadiately.

ROASTED RED PEPPER SANDWICHES WITH MOZZARELLA & PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 500°F (broil).
• Line a small baking sheet with foil. Put the pepper on the baking sheet and broil until the skin is beginning to char, using tongs to turn occasionally, about 10 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and wrap the foil around the pepper. (Use oven mitts!) Let the pepper steam in the foil for 10 minutes.
• Remove the pepper from the foil and transfer it to a cutting board. Peel off the skin, cut off the stem, pull out the seeds, and discard them. Cut the rest of the pepper into thick strips.
• Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto onto the bottoms of the ciabatta bread. Divide the pepper strips onto the bread, then place the mozzarella slices on top of the pepper strips. Top with the remaining slices of bread and brush the tops with olive oil. (If you're going to serve the sandwiches cold, don't brush them with oil-just eat them!)
• Heat a grill pan or griddle over medium heat. Flip the sandwiches over and place them on the grill pan oiled-side down, then brush the other side of the sandwich with oil. Use a spatula to press the sandwiches down slightly, but don't press too hard or you'll have a mess of mozzarella everywhere! Cook 5-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

PESTO, ROASTED RED PEPPER AND MOZZARELLA FLATBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400ºF. Place flatbreads on a large baking sheet. Spread each flatbread evenly with pesto. Top with mozzarella cheese and roasted red peppers. Place baking sheet in the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from the oven, cut into pieces, and serve warm.