Recipe: Herbed Goat Cheese and Roasted Pepper Bagel Sandwiches

HERBED GOAT CHEESE AND ROASTED PEPPER BAGEL SANDWICHES

1 (5 1/2-ounce) package goat cheese, room temperature
2 thin green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil or oregano
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1 small clove garlic, peeled and finely minced or pressed (optional)
Pinch salt
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
2 roasted red bell peppers, either homemade or commercially prepared, thinly sliced*
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons drained capers
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 bagels, split

Combine the goat cheese, green onions, basil or oregano, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper, mixing well. Set aside. (If making the herbed cheese ahead, cover and refrigerate, then remove from refrigerator about 1 hour before serving.)

Combine the roasted peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, capers and red pepper flakes. Marinate 10 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate and remove from refrigerator about 1 hour before using.

TO SERVE:
Cut the bagels in half. Spread bottom half with the herbed cheese and spoon the peppers on top. Drizzle any marinade left in the bowl over the inside of the top half of the bagels; place tops on bottom halves and press down lightly. Cut into halves and serve.

*Good quality commercial roasted red peppers are available; look for them in your grocery store stocked with olives and pickles.

Makes 4 sandwiches
Adapted from source: Panini, Bruschetta, Crostini: Sandwiches, Italian Style by Viana La Place