I love indulging in wine and appetizers (or martinis and appetizers) for dinner. It fills you up and makes you feel like you’re partaking in an indulgent little personal Happy Hour instead of drudging through the usual: a very reasonable meal of, say, chicken and veggies. My husband thinks I’m crazy because I am the Queen of Snacks. I’ll gladly claim this royal title with pride. He says I’m the only person he knows who can make guacamole and chips into dinner.

Recently, I combined a mish-mash of various recipes and products into one cohesive and delicious and somewhat healthy starter. I call it Roasted Bell Pepper Crostinis with Basil, Bruschetta, & Buffalo Mozzarella.

First you make your own homemade crostinis from a French baguette. Basically, you just slice up the baguette, arrange them on a baking sheet, and put them under the broiler for about 12 minutes. When they come out, rub a whole clove of garlic on the hot, crispy surfaces. Set them aside to cool. You don’t need to use them right away; they will last for a few days.

I happened to have some leftover chopped bell peppers that needed to be used up, so I just threw those in with the whole peppers.

You can also prepare the roasted peppers ahead of time. In fact, they will need to marinate for 5-24 hours before you use them. Roast the peppers whole in a 425 degree oven for about 25 minutes. Put them in a tupperware and then cool to room temperature. Then peel off the skin, remove the stem and seeds, slice them into strips, and combine them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Refrigerate and let the flavors meld together.

Next preheat the broiler on high and top the crostini with bruschetta. I used a Trader Joe’s bruschetta that I tasted in the store from the nice sample lady. On top of a layer of bruschetta, put a mound of the marinated peppers. Then top with fresh buffalo mozzarella. Place the baking sheet under the broiler until the cheese melts.

When the crostini are ready to leave the oven and emerge out into the world, garnish with fresh basil, pop open a bottle of wine, plop yourself on the couch, and enjoy. It feels like a heavenly little vacation from the real world. I would highly recommend indulging in this type of dinner on a weeknight which provides an added layer of gluttony to the enjoyment of your meal.

Bon Appetit!