Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Tartines for Dinner Club

            It was my first time attending a dinner club and the experience was great. Initially when I heard the theme was French, I felt a bit daunted- but when you’re sitting at a table with talented home cooks and share a love of good food, you can be sure these girls rocked it in the kitchen. Here are some photos and below is a recipe for a tasty hors d’oeuvre that any newbie can master in 20 minutes or less. I promise!

Fabulous home cooks right here!

Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Tartines

Panko Crusted Rack of Lamb

Baked Zucchini

Ham & Vegetables Crepes with Gruyere Sauce

A plate of goodness. Aww yeahhh...

Chocolate Mousse & Vanilla Whipped Cream

Yep. It was a good, filling night.

Below is the tartine recipe to make you an hors d’oeuvre superstar!

Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Tartines
(From Epicurious with some tweaks)

1 French baguette (cut 1/2-inch thick)
3.5 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium tomato, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 tbs julienned sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbs julienned fresh basil
1 tps balsamic vinegar
2 tbs black olive tapenade
8 oz mild goat cheese log, cut 1/4-inch

1) Preheat oven to 350 F

Meanwhile…

2) Brush baguette slices with olive oil, face up on baking sheet
Toast in the oven for 7 minutes. When finished, set aside to cool but leave oven on.

3) Combine fresh and dried tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil

4) Spread each toast with tapenade, then place sliced goat cheese on top
*TIP* I used a wire to cut the cheese log. You can also use dental floss.

5) Scoop a teaspoon of tomato mixture on each toast. Sprinkle salt, pepper, olive oil for finishing touches and bake for 5 minutes.
Aaand voilà! You are now an hors d’oeuvre superstar!