Crostini is an Italian word and this is FAR from Italian...

We can imagine this being enjoyed in Provence or the Basque country.  Frankly, it's so good, we don't care where we get it.

Ingredients

• 1 can sardines
• 6 piquillo peppers, sliced into strips
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or Sriracha
• juice of a lemon
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed of their salt
• 1 baguette, sliced 1/3 inch thick on the bias 
• extra virgin olive oil
• black pepper

Instructions

Start by preheating the oven to 500 degrees.  Brush each slice of bread with olive oil and season with black pepper. Bake for 8 minutes, turn over the bread and bake for 5 more minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk together than mayo, hot sauce, lemon juice and capers.

Time to assemble! Spread a little spicy mayo on the toasts. Lay half of a sardine on the toast, a few strips of piquillo peppers and drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately!

This is a twist on the classic stuffed Piquillo, which is filled with brandade. We love serving these with a big salad for lunch or as hors d'oeuvres with a glass of sparkling Cava.

Ingredients

• 1 large Russet potato,
• two 4 ounce cans of Ortiz tuna
• 3/4 cup fresh ricotta, drained of its liquid
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• salt and pepper
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 jars of Piquillo peppers (you'll have enough stuffing for about 8 peppers)

Instructions

Peel the potato and cut into 2 inch pieces. Boil in salted water for 12 - 15 minutes until completely soft. Remove and smash with a potato masher or run through a ricer, if you have one.

While still warm, stir together the mashed potato, ricotta, tuna and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Add the egg yolks and mix to combine.

Working in batches, make balls about the size of unshelled walnuts and tuck into the pepper. Drizzle a bit of olive oil into a casserole or baking dish and lay in the stuffed peppers. Roast in a preheated 450 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Serve hot.