Fennel Pita Toasts Recipes

ANCHOVY FENNEL TOASTS WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Roast bell peppers on racks of gas burners over high heat, turning with tongs, until skins are blackened, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap, then let steam, covered, about 20 minutes.
• When peppers are cool enough to handle, peel, then halve lengthwise, discarding stems and seeds. Cut peppers lengthwise into 3/4-inch-wide strips.
• Toast fennel seeds in a dry small heavy skillet over moderately low heat, shaking skillet frequently, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes, then transfer to a bowl and cool. Finely grind fennel seeds in grinder, then stir into butter along with anchovies, lemon juice, and pepper until combined well.
• Preheat broiler.
• Broil baguette slices in a large shallow baking pan (18 by 12 inches) 3 to 4 inches from heat until golden, about 1 minute. Turn slices over and spread generously with anchovy butter. Broil toasts until butter is golden and bubbling, about 1 minute, then transfer to a platter. Top with bell pepper strips.

PITA TOASTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375° F.
• Halve pitas horizontally to form 8 rounds and lightly brush rough sides with oil. Season pitas with salt and cut each round into 6 wedges.
• Arrange wedges in one layer on 2 baking sheets and bake in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Cool toasts. Toasts may be made 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

HERBED PITA TOAST WITH FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place pita rounds on a baking sheet, and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Bake until crispy and lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and break pitas in half. Slice feta cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with herbed pita halves.

GARLIC-HERB PITA TOASTS

Steps:

• Cooks Tip: For the best results, use a baking sheet that is not too dark for this recipe; otherwise, watch the pita bread carefully as it burns easily.
• Preheat oven to 500°F.
• Separate each pita quarter into 2 pieces.
• Arrange in a single layer, rough side up, on an ungreased baking sheet.
• Brush evenly with the oil.
• In a small bowl, combine the parsley, chives, and garlic.
• Using your fingers, distribute the herb mixture evenly over the pita quarters.
• Sprinkle evenly with coarse salt.
• Bake on the top rack of the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the pita quarters are nicely toasted.