Owner Dave Schultz,
Saucer’s Café
The classic Italian appetizer gets a winter-appropriate twist with heaps of roasted vegetables. A goat cheese spread adds tang to this substantial, comforting starter.
Ingredients
Balsamic Syrup
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cups white sugar
Goat Cheese Spread
1/2 cup goat cheese
1/2 Tbsp whipping cream
Vegetables
1 cup diced zucchini
1 cup diced eggplant
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup seeded and diced red pepper
2 Tbsp canola or vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste
4 slices fresh ciabatta bread
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Method
Balsamic Syrup
1. In a small pot, heat balsamic vinegar over medium heat for 2 mins.
2. Mix in sugar until dissolved.
3. Simmer until reduced to a thick syrup.
Goat Cheese Spread
1. In a small bowl, whip goat cheese and whipping cream using a hand mixer until smooth.
Vegetables
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, toss all vegetables with oil.
3. Season vegetables with salt and pepper.
4. In a roasting pan, roast vegetables until tender, around 20 mins.
Assembly
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Spread goat cheese mix on bread. Top with roasted vegetables and mozzarella.
3. Bake until mozzarella is melted, around 2 mins.
4. Drizzle with balsamic syrup and serve.
Yield 4 servings