This is fast becoming a hit for parties, teas, and other events. We prepare this for catering orders at The New Deli; it's a perfect combination of flavors. Save money with the recipe below, marinating your own sun-dried tomatoes ( bulk dried tomatoes are far cheaper than jars of prepared ones that are already soaked in oil). This recipe can make 30 appetizers; a nice amount for 10-15 people, served as part of a selection.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette
• paprika (for color)
• 1/4 c. virgin olive oil for tomatoes, plus more for dipping bread into, steeping garlic, and marinating beef in
• 1/3 c. sun-dried tomatoes, pre-sliced
• 1/2 tsp. hot pepper oil
• 2 TBS. water
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 TBS. fresh, chopped garlic
• 1 tsp. water
• About 2/3 lb. thin-sliced roast beef
• 1TBS.balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 TBS. sweet hot mustard
• parsley for garnishing

Days or weeks ahead of time, prepare the marinated sun-dried tomatoes. This part of the recipe can be multiplied. (Extra of this mix can be stored in the refrigerator; add to pasta dishes or chicken to perk up the menu). Let the tomatoes soak for half a day or more, to reconstitute them, before adding the oils. Use: > 1/3 c. sun-dried tomatoes, sliced thin > 2 TBS. water > 3/4 tsp. salt

After the tomatoes have been soaked, add the oils and store in the refrigerator until ready to use: > 1/2 tsp. hot pepper oil > 1/4 c. olive oil

To assemble appetizers, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Once preheated, turn off. To make easy bruschetta, slice one baguette thinly into 30 rounds or so. Dip the bottoms briefly in some olive oil mixed with a bit of paprika (for color). A flat pan works well for this. Lay slices out on a cookie sheet, let toast in preheated oven that's been turned off. (These may get done in 30 minutes or so, or can be left overnight in oven, depending on how many are made, and type of oven.)
 
In small bowl, mix together: > 2 TBS. olive oil > 1TBS.balsamic vinegar > 1/2 TBS. sweet hot mustard

To the small bowl, add the beef and mix well: > about 2/3 lb. thin-sliced roast beef, sliced through again into strips

To maximize flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, mix in some garlic on serving day. Small amounts of garlic are easily steeped by microwaving in a small bowl, for 30 seconds or so: > 1/2 TBS. fresh, chopped garlic > 1/4 tsp. water > small splash olive oil

To assemble the appetizers, put a small amount of the beef onto each slice; add a few slices of the seasoned sun-dried tomatoes, and top the appetizers with chopped fresh parsley for extra color. Delicious.