Recipe from Season 3, Mexico—One Plate at a Time
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces (about 1 1/4 cups) pitted prunes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus a little more for drizzling on the finished bruschettas
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
- Salt
- A 22 to 25-inch baguette (I’d choose a whole grain one that’s about 3 inches in diameter)
- A 15 ounce round queso fresco
- A few tablespoons chopped fresh herb I like fresh thyme, marjoram, cilantro, oregano and the like)
- Freshly ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Place the prunes in a small bowl and add enough very hot tap water to just cover them. When soft (about 1 hour), pour off any excess water and mash to a coarse paste with a fork. (If skins don’t break up readily, chop prunes with knife or food processor.) Stir in the olive oil, lime juice and chopped garlic. Taste and season with salt (usually about 1/2 teaspoon).
Cut the baguette on a diagonal into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Toast in batches on both sides, under a broiler or using a toaster. Cut the slices of cheese to fit the baguette slices. Spread each baguette slice with a little of the savory prune salsa, top with a slice of cheese, drizzle with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with the fresh herbs and black pepper. Serve right away.
