Cilantro Canapes

Submitted by Stephanie Y.

"These were the $400 winner for the BH&G magazine's "Looks-Like-You-Fussed" category for Nov. 2006. Please adjust the amount of jalapenos to suit your taste."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Yields: 20 appetizers

ingredients

• 2 cups lightly packed fresh cilantro
• 1⁄4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and cut up
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1⁄4 cup salted peanuts
• 1 -2 tablespoon water
• baguette (cut in 20 1/4-inch-thick slices)
• 3⁄4 cup chopped cucumber
• 5 cherry tomatoes, quartered
• mint sprig (optional)

directions

1. To toast bread slices: Lightly brush both sides of bread slices with olive oil (3 to 4 tablespoons total).
2. Arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
3. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat for 1 or 2 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. Turn over bread slices.
5. Broil 1 to 2 minutes more or until lightly browned.
6. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
7. In a food processor combine cilantro, mint, pepper, lime juice, sugar, and ginger.
8. Cover, process until nearly smooth.
9. Add peanuts; cover and process until combined.
10. Add water until spreading consistency.
11. Spread one side of each toasted baguette slice with some of the mixture.
12. Top with the cucumber, tomato, and mint.

Reviews

[Blue Bustard]

Like Sharlene, I found that one Jalapeno simply disappeared into the mix without a trace. My next try will incorporate some dried cayenne. I left the toasts in the oven until they were golden and crisp, but after sitting for two hours waiting for the guests to arrive, they had softened slightly due to the moisture in the mixture. This was a plus. All in all, this recipe is a winner. Thanks, Cookiedog.

 

[Merlot]

These will surely impress your guests. The mint and lime juice really makes the topping "pop" with flavor. The colors are beautiful and I served them on my black platter making a very nice presentation. I too, toasted the bread just until a very light color as did a previous reviewer. I highly recommend this great little canape. Thanks for sharing this winner, Cookiedog.

 

[Leisa loves to cook]

Really loved this blend of flavors!! The mint made it so refreshing. Also took this marinade and used it with grilled chicken on french bread. Thank you!!

 

[Sharlene~W]

I loved the flavor. I would probably double it next time as the small quantity of "spread" ingredients didn't puree very well in my 11-cup food processor. I also would only broil the baguette slices until they were lightly browned--if they are crisp, they are more difficult to eat because the crunchiness causes the toppings to fall off if you eat it in more than one bite. I would also all a bit of red pepper flakes as the jalapeno pepper wasn't enough to get much heat. Overall, very good flavor pretty to look at.