Crostini An Easy Appetizer

Great appetizers start the holiday party off right. And during the busiest season of the year, ease is the key ingredient for delicious, festive appetizers that appeal to the eye as well as the palate.

Beef and Roasted Pepper Crostini have just the right mix. You can make three dozen in 30 minutes, and they require just five convenient, supermarket-available ingredients. The beef is purchased cooked and ready to use.

Beef and Roasted Pepper Crostini

Recipe from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

2 (8-ounce) loaves French bread (about 2-1/2-inch diameter), cut into 1/2-inch thick slices

3 tablespoons garlic-flavored olive or vegetable oil

3/4 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef

1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, rinsed, drained and chopped

2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend

Heat oven to 450 degrees.

Lightly brush top side of each bread slice with oil; arrange on two baking sheets. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until light golden brown.

Layer equal amounts of beef, red pepper and cheese over toasted bread. Return to oven; bake an additional 2 to 4 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Yield: About 3 dozen appetizers.

Nutrition information per appetizer: 80 calories, 5 grams protein, 8 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fat (34 percent fat calories), 9 milligrams cholesterol, 223 milligrams sodium.

Note: Bread may be toasted ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.