Crostini With Ricotta And Herbs

Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr 15 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 1 cup ricotta cheese, preferably homestyle
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil leaf
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint leaves
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1 loaf italian bread, cut into 24 slices, each 1/2 inch thick (loaf should be narrow)

Recipe

• 1 if using supermarket ricotta, line a small colander or mesh sieve with several layers of paper towels.
• 2 spread the cheese over the towels and let drain until thickened and creamy, about 1 hour.
• 3 remove cheese from the colander and discard the paper towels; homestyle ricotta does not need to be drained.
• 4 combine the ricotta, herbs, salt and pepper to taste in a bowl; set aside.
• 5 preheat the oven to 400°.
• 6 place the bread slices on a baking sheet; bake, turning the slices once, until they are lightly browned and crisp, 8-10 minutes.
• 7 place the toasted bread slices on a large platter.
• 8 spread a scant 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture over each slice; serve immediately.