“OLIVE GARDEN” TOMATO/BASIL CROSTINI

2 6″ Boboli bread shells or Similar Italian flat bread

2 Tbsp Ex-virgin olive oil with 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic - Mix and set aside

2 Tbsp Fresh parmesan -- grated
1 1/2 c TOMATO/BASIL TOPPING

Tomato/Basil Topping:

1 1/2 c Roma tomatoes – seeded & diced
1 Tbsp Fresh basil -- chopped
1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp Salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan or cookie sheet with foil. Lay bread on pan and dribble 2 Tbsp garlic oil over Boboli, sprinkle with cheese and bake for 4 to 5 minutes, until hot, but not crispie or dried. Cut the Boboli into 6 wedges or 2x2″ squares.

Remove to a serving plate and cover, generously, with a cold tomato/basil topping, serve immediately.

TOPPING-Blend all ingredients thoroughly and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. Just prior to serving, drain in a colander or strainer to eliminate excess liquid.

Beer Barbecue Sauce

1 cup Prepared barbecue sauce
1 cup Ketchup
2/3 cup Beer
1/4 cup Honey or Molasses
2 tablespoons Lemon juice
2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
2 Garlic cloves, minced
2 Onions, finely chopped


In large bowl, combine barbecue sauce, ketchup, beer, honey, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, pepper, garlic and onions. Place food in marinade and let stand at room tepmerature for up to 2 hours or in refrigerator overnight. When ready to cook, remove food and place marinade in saucepan and cook for 10 minutes or until thickened.

Use as sauce for basting or serving with cooked food.

Basic White Sauce

Basic white sauce is the mainstay of many delicious sauces for a savy cook.You do not have to be a savy cook however to make this very easy sauce base. Once made you can refridgerate it for use another time. (it will keep tightly covered in the back coldest part of your fridge for 2 weeks)

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 dash white pepper

1 cup milk

DIRECTIONS:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk.Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Use immediately or refrigerate.

Suggested uses:

Cheese Sauce: To the hot basic white sauce, add 1/2 cup of your favorite grated cheese (or a combination of several cheeses equalling 1/2 cup.)

Mustard Sauce: Add 2 Tblsp of brown spicy mustard to the sauce,stir well.
(More if you desire a stronger mustard taste)

White Wine Sauce: Substitute the milk for 1 cup white wine, and add 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley. Perfect for pouring over chicken.

Creamy Garlic Sauce: Add 1 tsp chopped fresh garlic and 1 tsp freshly chopped parsley. Salt and pepper to taste.

Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Substitute 1/2 the milk with 1/2 cup chicken broth, add 1/4 cup romano cheese and 4 oz cream cheese, cubed.