Fresh Ricotta, Anchovy, and Oregano Toasts

　　Crostini refers to a whole family of antipasti based on thin slices of bread, toasted, sometimes brushed with olive oil, and covered with any number of savory toppings.

　　If you can, buy fresh anchovies and marinate them yourself or buy them already marinated from an Italian or Hispanic deli (where they are known as alici marinati or boquerones respectively; see note below).

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 to 8 servings

　　1 baguette, cut into 16 slices, or 8 slices country bread

　　3 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole

　　2 cups fresh ricotta

　　2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper

　　3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano

　　16 anchovy fillets, preferably marinated fresh fillets

　　3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

　　

Step 1

Preheat the broiler. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast until light golden brown on both sides. While still hot, rub each slice with a garlic clove to impart a delicate flavor.

　　

Step 2

In a bowl, mix the ricotta, black pepper, and oregano and smear casually over each bread slice. Top each with an anchovy fillet and return to the cookie sheet. Broil until cheese just oozes, about a minute. Arrange on a serving platter, drizzle with olive oil and serve.

　　

Anchovies

Step 3

Whenever anchovies are called for in my recipes, the quantity is given as a number of fillets — preferably taken from fresh anchovies you have marinated yourself (see Alici Marinati ), which yield two fillets each. If prepackaged anchovies must be used, however, be aware that they come in one acceptable — and one despicable — form. Salt-packed anchovies that come in a 1- or 2-kilo can are available in Italian delis and are sold whole. Order them by the quarter-pound, take them home, soak them in either water or milk, then remove the fillets. Least desirable are the tiny cans of salty prefilleted anchovies packed in oil. This is not to say all brands of canned fillets are not very good, but most aren't, so use one of the other types if you can.

　　Source Information

　　From Mario Batali Holiday Food by Mario Batali Published in arrangement with Clarkson Potter/Publishers

　　Reprinted with permission from Mario Batali Holiday Food by Mario Batali. © 2000 Clarkson Potter