FOOD NEWS
Crostini Alla Romana Is The Delectable Way To Transform Stale Bread Into A New Dish
BY PEGGY AOKI
It may seem sad when an expensive loaf of bread ends up going stale, but you can reuse it in countless ways, such as the delectable appetizer crostini alla Romana.
Italian crostini are thin slices of toasted bread with flavorful toppings, and while there are tons of variations, the Roman version is cheesy and savory with anchovies.
To make crostini, spread a little butter or olive oil on the slices of stale bread to add some moisture back in. If the bread is rock-hard, give the slices a quick soak in milk.
Line the slices up on a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 375°F. Add fresh mozzarella and anchovy paste — which really makes the crostini Roman — for saltiness and umami.
If you want to avoid anchovies, prosciutto or capers are great substitutes. Once the crostini are dressed, bake them just long enough for the cheese to melt and they're done.