Open-faced Hot Muffuletta

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

JIMMY'S OLIVE SALAD:
1 cup pitted, large green Greek olives, coarsely chopped

1 cup queen-size manzanilla olives with pimentos, coarsely chopped

1 (15.5-ounce) jar Italian giardiniera vegetables, chopped

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1 tablespoon roasted garlic puree (see recipe below)

2 teaspoons capers, drained and rinsed

� teaspoon dried oregano

� cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon white pepper

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before using.

ROASTED GARLIC PUREE
1 cup peeled garlic cloves

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Place garlic cloves in an oven-proof container; pour in olive oil, making sure all cloves are covered. Cover with aluminum foil; roast in preheated 300-degree oven until light brown (about 1 hour).

Strain the garlic; puree in a blender, adding a little of the strained oil, if necessary, to form a smooth paste. Transfer to a container; pour in enough oil to cover.

Refrigerate and store garlic-infused oil in separate container. Makes 1 cup.

HOT MUFFULETTA:
 

1 (15-inch) loaf French bread

1 cup olive salad

� pound sliced Genoa salami

� pound sliced Provolone cheese

� pound sliced baked ham

� pound sliced mortadella

Olive oil from olive salad (optional)

Slice French bread in half lengthwise. Lay open halves on a baking sheet; spread with olive salad, using about 1 cup and reserving remainder in refrigerator.

Divide salami over sandwiches, followed by half the cheese and all the ham and mortadella. Top with remaining Provolone.

Drizzle with a bit of olive oil from olive salad, if desired. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes, until cheese is melted; broil for 2 to 3 minutes to turn the top golden brown. Slice each open-faced sandwich into 8 pieces. Serve.

Jimmy Bannos Heaven on Seven

Nutrition facts per serving: 344 calories, 29 g fat, 7 g saturated fat, 29 mg cholesterol, 9 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein, 632 mg sodium, 0 g fiber