June 11 2010 • Posted by corene

Something a little different

If you’ve visited my lil’ blog here you by now realize I’m usually not offering recipes for healthy alternatives to chicken nuggets (but I love those!)  Au contraire.  A few months in - and over 100 people on Facebook and almost 600 Tweeters have come along for the fun ~ people who care about food, flavor and family.  The point is, still, to cook up a community of like-minded folks who want to come together for chat, sharing and inspiration.  There are outrageously informative blogs and websites out there for people looking to connect with children in the kitchen.  I am humbled and amazed by the talented moms and dads who share their expertise.  I like to think of the Foodie Patootie community as the “Umami” of the cooking with kids movement.  Something a little different.  We cook, eat and have culinary adventures with the kids in our lives.  We also watch cooking TV, have foodie-filled date nights and schedule some vacations around celebrity chef restaurant openings.  I truly appreciate everyone who’s come along so far and have enjoyed meeting you.  If you have a food adventure, photos, a story, anything you’d like to share please let me know!  Let’s network, inspire and have a blast learning something new. 
In that something new department:  My husband and I had a fabulous date night a few weeks ago.  Some bubbly, some laughs and, of course, delicious eats.  The winner of the night?  An insanely delicious and totally new twist on Bruschetta at a local (very romantic) spot.  I didn’t get a recipe but here is my take on it.  Just trust me - it’s truly a fantastic flavor combination.  I didn’t take a photo but I’ll be sure to post one when I make it for my family.  If you try this please send yours! 
I happen to have an olive and goat cheese loving child so I have a good feeling this will be a hit.  Try this yummy combination - you might just be surprised how quickly it gets chomped up. 
Do you have a funky combination for Bruschetta?  I want your recipe too! 

For the toasts:
Use your favorite artisan or crusty bread, sliced. 
Brush Bread with olive oil and toast in oven or fry lightly in butter and olive oil to make bruschetta toasts (however you like them best)

Topping:  (here is where we get a little crazy - crazy good)
Start by spreading your favorite Olive Tapenade on the toasted bread
Then, a smear of goat cheese (if you don’t do goat cheese, try cream cheese or ricotta) 
Top cheese with 2 - 3 orange supreme slices
Finish with a sprinkling of chopped mint.  You could also do chopped basil, but the mint was divine. 

A great summer appetizer or family snack!  Let me know if you give it a try.