Avocado, Feta and Pancetta Bruschetta

Bruschetta derives from the Italian 'bruscare' meaning "to roast over coals”. At its most authentic, Italian country-style bread is toasted over coals, rubbed with garlic and seasoned while hot with sea salt and fruity, virgin, cold-pressed olive oil. More commonly in English-speaking countries, the toasted garlic bread is topped with tomatoes and summery herbs. This version, without tomato, is a little different and is perfect for a casual lunch for 2 people, or as an appetiser for 4 people.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

• 4  slices  Italian bread, 3/4-inch -1-inch thick (no thicker, or it won't warm right through)
• 2  garlic cloves, each peeled and sliced in half
• 4  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• For Topping

• 5  ounces lean bacon or 5  ounces pancetta
• 1⁄2 cup  crumbled feta cheese
• 1  large avocado, peeled, stoned and cut into small chunks
• 1  cup  coarsely chopped rocket
• 12  basil leaves, roughly torn
• 3  teaspoons pine nuts, lightly toasted in a low oven
• 2 -3  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
•  freshly cracked black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare all ingredients just before planning to eat.
2. In a medium sized bowl combine the feta cheese, avocado, rocket, basil, pine nuts and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to further moisten this mixture if preferred.
3. Saute the bacon or pancetta in a little oil until crisp, then chop finely and add to the feta cheese/avocado mixture.
4. Set topping mixture aside while preparing the bread.
5. Toast the bread over hot coals (preferably), on the bbq or under the oven grill/broiler, until crusty and golden brown on the outside, but warm and soft inside. Keep an eye on it as it can suddenly burn!
6. While the toast is still piping hot, rub one side of each slice with the cut side of a garlic clove, then quickly brush each slice with a tablespoon of olive oil.
7. Spoon the topping mixture on to the toasted bread, and season with freshly cracked black pepper - depending on the saltiness of the feta and bacon you use, you probably won't need to season with salt.
8. Serve immediately.