Goat Cheese and Olive Bruschetta

Giorgio Celmo

Ingredients

8 thick slices 2-3 day old Italian bread

2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

8 ounces goat cheese

20 Gaeta or kalamata olives, pitted and finely chopped

6 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped

freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Place the two crushed garlic cloves in a mortar; using the pestle, blend and crush them until you obtain a paste. Add the sliced olives and mix well. A little at a time, pour in the extra-virgin olive oil; continue mixing until smooth. In a small bowl combine the chopped parsley with the goat cheese. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Toast the bread slices. Once toasted, spread the olive paste on each slice, then top with the goat cheese mixture.