Grilled Tomato, Basil and Goat Cheese Sandwiches



1 16-ounce French-bread baguette
2/3 cup olive oil
8 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as tarragon, thyme, and rosemary)
3/4 cup soft fresh goat cheese (plain, peppered, or herbed)
4 large plum tomatoes, thinly sliced into rounds
2 cups coarsely chopped pitted Mediterranean olives

1. Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Cut baguette crosswise in half. Cut each half lengthwise in half to form 4 pieces total. Combine oil, garlic, and herbs in small bowl. Brush all cut sides of bread with half of oil mixture. Grill bread, cut sides down, until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Remove from grill. Quickly spread cut sides of toast with goat cheese. Top with tomatoes and olives, dividing equally. Drizzle remaining oil mixture on top.
2. Return open-face sandwiches to grill. Cook until bottom sides are toasted, cheese melts, and tomatoes begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half and serve.

4 servings.

Bon Appétit
July 2002