Toasted Almond And Gorgonzola Crostini with Rucola And Apples

Course :	Italian
From:	HungryMonster.com
Serves:	1

Ingredients:

1/2	cup	sliced and blanched almonds
12	ounces	sweet gorgonzola cheese -- at room temperature
2	medium	granny smith apples -- cored and seeded
1	bunch	rucola -- washed, spun dry, to yield 2 cups
2	tablespoons	almond oil
1	tablespoon	lemon juice
1	teaspoon	salt -- to taste
1	teaspoon	freshly-ground black pepper -- to taste
12	slices	Italian country bread -- 1/4 inch thick

Preparation:

Preheat broiler. In a 10- to 12-inch sauté pan, toast almonds under broiler, shaking vigorously and watching carefully not to burn, about 30 to 45 seconds. Remove and let cool. Mix almonds and Gorgonzola with wooden spoon until well mixed. Cut apples into quarters and then cut into matchstick julienne and place in separate mixing bowl. Chiffonade the rucola and add to apple mixture. Dress with almond oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Toast bread on both sides and spread 1 tablespoon Gorgonzola mixture over each slice, top with a small handful of rucola and apple salad and serve immediately. Source: MOLTO MARIO with Mario Batali From the TV FOOD NETWORK - (Show # MB-5676)