Your parents are on their way over??  Headed to a last minute potluck?  First date??  Ok, maybe not a first date…you may have a parsley in teeth situation…but, do you want to impress someone??

Try bruschetta.  These fancy little toasts are perfect for many occasions.  Girl- you so fancy!  There are so many varieties to choose from.  Plus, they can often be served warm or Room Temperature. This recipe has great colors and can be prepared in only 15 minutes!  Plus, you only need 5 ingredients, plus salt, pepper, and olive oil.  You got this!

Bruschetta also makes a great dinner for one or two.  It’s the perfect treat on Friday evening after a long week…

1 baguette, the darker the better

1 large red pepper, sliced into thin strips

8 oz. light cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese

1/3 c. fresh parsley, chopped + extra for garnish

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

1.  Preheat the oven to a low broil.  Wash and slice the red pepper.  Place the strips in one layer on a silicone-mat lined baking sheet.  Place in the oven for 4-5 minutes.  (This is an optional step.  I didn’t want the peppers to be too crunchy!)  In a medium bowl, use a fork to combine the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Slice the baguette into 1/4-in. pieces.  (I even used bread from the freezer!)  Drizzle or brush olive oil on one side of each slice of bread.  Remove the peppers from the oven.  Place the bread on the same baking sheet and broil for 2-4 minutes.  Spread the cream cheese mixture on each slice of bread.  Then, top with red pepper strips.  Place in the oven for 4-5 minutes.  Garnish with chopped parsley.  Serve warm or room temperature.