Mozzarella Crostini with Pesto & Caviar

serves 4

THESE TRADITIONAL ITALIAN APPETIZERS ARE GIVEN THE FESTIVE TOUCH WHEN CUT INTO THE FAMILIAR SYMBOLS OF A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS.

ingredients

8 slices white bread, crusts removed

3 tbsp olive oil

200 g/7 oz firm mozzarella cheese, diced

6 tbsp lumpfish roe

pesto

75 g/2¾ oz fresh basil, finely chopped

35 g/1¼ oz pine nuts, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3 tbsp olive oil

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Using a sharp knife, cut the bread into fancy shapes, such as half-moons, stars and Christmas trees. Drizzle with the oil, transfer to an ovenproof dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

2 While the bread is baking, make the pesto. Put the basil, pine nuts and garlic in a small bowl. Pour in the oil and stir well to combine.

3 Remove the bread shapes from the oven and leave to cool. Spread a layer of pesto on all of the shapes, top each one with a piece of mozzarella cheese and some lumpfish roe and serve immediately.

Recipe from Christmas Recipes & Crafts