Recipe: Savory Cheese S'mores

SAVORY CHEESE S'MORES

32 crackers, preferably whole wheat
1/4 cup purchased sun-dried tomato pesto (or olive tapenade)
16 fresh basil leaves (optional)
16 bocconcini* or any firm cheese cut into 16 (1-inch) cubes

FOR EACH S'MORE:
Set out two crackers and spread one with about 1 teaspoon of pesto or olive spread. Top with a basil leaf, if using. Spear a cheese ball or cube on a long stick or skewer. If using fresh mozzarella, squeeze cheese with a paper towel to remove excess water.

Hold skewered cheese over an open fire or very hot coals. Cook for about 2 minutes, turning skewers to soften and brown cheese evenly on all sides.

Using a dry cracker, a fork or a knife, scrape cheese onto cracker with spread and basil leaf. Top with second cracker to make a sandwich. Eat immediately.

TO MAKE AT HOME:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Use 16 thin slices of baguette in place of crackers. Top each slice with a bit of pesto or tapenade, then a piece of cheese.

Cook in oven 8 to 10 minutes, until bread is crisp and cheese is melted. If desired, finish under broiler for a golden top. Garnish with shredded basil.

*Bocconcini are small balls of fresh mozzarella. If they are unavailable, cut 8 ounces fresh mozzarella into 1-inch cubes.

Servings: 4 to 6 as an appetizer
Source: Campfire Cuisine: Gourmet Recipes for the Great Outdoors by Robin Donovan