Savoury Cherry Topping

• 1/2 lb (250 g) California cherries
• 1 lime
• 2 tsp (10 mL) olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 small jalapeno pepper, minced
• 2 to 3 tbsp (25 to 45 mL) slivered fresh mint or basil
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).

Trim crusts from bread and discard. Using a rolling pin, roll bread really thinly. Cut each slice into quarters. Lightly oil a 12 mini muffin cup pan. Press a bread square into each muffin cup. Brush bread with half the oil. Bake until a deep golden, 15 to 20 minutes depending on the pan. Repeat with remaining bread squares. Cool completely on a rack. These can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Pit cherries then coarsely chop. Place in a bowl. Finely grate lime peel over cherries, then squeeze 2 tsp (10 mL) lime juice over top. Stir in oil, garlic and jalapeno. Just before serving toss with mint, green onion and salt.

Spoon a heaping teaspoon (7 mL) cherry mix into bread cups. Garnish each with a tiny sprig of mint if you wish.

Source: Recipe and image provided by the Buy California Marketing Agreement.