Flaming Broiled Provolone With Parsley Toast Recipes

BROILED AND FLAMED CHEESE WITH TOAST

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the toast: In a medium saute pan set over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. When shimmering, add bread slices and toast for 2 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside. Add garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon water to the pan. Saute until garlic is soft, 1 to 2 minutes. Add butter and sesame seeds and toast 1 more minute. Spoon sesame-garlic mixture over toasted bread.
• For the cheese: Arrange provolone in an even layer in a baking dish and sprinkle with Parmigiano. Place in the oven to melt, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and pour half of the gin over the cheese; ignite the gin using a long match or a click lighter. Once the flames die out add more gin and flame again. Serve with toasted baguette pieces, apples and fennel.

BROCCOLI TOASTS WITH MELTY PROVOLONE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain broccoli and pat dry.
• Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch tall-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the anchovies, if using, the garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook until the anchovies have dissolved and the garlic is fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally until the broccoli is cooked down and very tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of water, if needed, to help it along. Stir in lemon zest. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed.
• While the broccoli cooks, heat the broiler. Lay the bread on a large sheet pan and toast until golden, about 1 to 3 minutes a side depending on your oven. (Check often to make sure they don't burn.) Remove from oven and divide the broccoli mixture between the toasts. Scatter each toast with the grated provolone, return to oven and broil until the cheese melts and turns golden in spots, 1 to 3 minutes more. (Again, check often to make sure they don't burn.) Remove from oven and serve slices whole or cut in half.

PROVOLONE TOASTS

Steps:

• Preheat broiler.
• Cut provolone to fit bread slices and set aside.
• Toast bread (without cheese) on a large baking sheet 4 inches from heat until golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Turn bread over and arrange provolone on top. Broil until cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes.