Marvel Stripes are a large, late season heirloom tomato with alternating red and yellow or orange stripes. They are meaty and mild. In this recipe, they complement both the delicate flavor of fresh mozzarella and the zing of freshly made pesto.
MARVEL STRIPE & FRESH MOZZARELLA CROSTINI WITH RUSTIC PESTO
Recipe from Terra Firma Farm
Remove the leaves from 1 bunch of basil and chop roughly. Mince 1 clove of garlic. Add basil and garlic to a food processor and purée with 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt to taste and 2 anchovy fillets (optional). Purée to combine.
Cut 1 large or 2 smaller Marvel Stripe or other bi-color tomatoes into thick slices. (You can also use Yellow Brandywine, Pink Brandywine or Goldie varieties.) Lie on a plate and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Allow tomatoes to sit for 5 minutes, then flip and salt the other side. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Cut 4-5 half-inch thick slices of Mollie’s Rustic Bread. Toast them until nicely browned and fully crisp on both sides.
Brush one side of each slice with a spoonful of the tomato/olive oil liquid. Spread a small amount of pesto on each slice, then cover with a tomato round. Top each with a slice of thinly sliced fresh mozzarella, then brush with more pesto. Use toothpicks to hold it all together and serve with plenty of napkins.
