Beach Bread Appetizer

This is not your everyday garlic bread. In fact, you may never have heard of it unless you're a Florida native or have had the luck to indulge in a slice while waiting for your meal in a restaurant in the Fort Myers area. Although the versions of beach bread are endless and they depend on the tastes of hundreds of chefs, beach bread started out as a garlic bread topped with cheese. It has transformed into very elaborate and gourmet preparations that feature varied cheeses, from common to fancy, many types of sauces to top or dip the bread, and hundreds of toppings, from grilled vegetables to herbs, nuts, or cured meats. Anything and everything is fair in the beach bread game. Our version brings to your kitchen an easy and delicious version featuring Blue or Gorgonzola cheese, fresh tomatoes and herbs. Serve as an appetizer or think of it as an easy open-faced sandwich, perhaps a "pizza" on a baguette. Either way, it can be your new favorite quick meal.

For our recipe, you need a 3-feet long baguette or similar bread. If you can't find bread that long, simply buy two medium ones and remove the tips. Ultimately, you'll cut the bread into three 1-foot pieces that you'll be slicing open horizontally. We recommend using Blue cheese as its bold flavor has no equal, but if you're not a fan of the smelly deliciousness of a tangy piece of Bleu fromage, go for a milder Italian Gorgonzola, which is less strong and softer in texture. The main difference in the cheeses is that Gorgonzola is usually made exclusively from cow's milk, while Blue can be made from goat's, cow's, or sheep's milk and is a lot tangier, harder, and overall stronger in flavor and smell. But if strong cheeses aren't your thing, don't miss out on this recipe, simply use a cheese such as Stilton or feta that will still provide tang and flavor without overwhelming your palate. Mozzarella complements the cheese topping. If possible, buy it in its block form to shred it at home, as already shredded cheese is packed with anticaking agents that make it impossible for it to melt appropriately.

Chives and parsley top the bread and add a vibrant touch of color. After you've made this once, you can experiment with your own cheesy mixtures and sauces and make your own beach bread extravaganza. Much like a taco bar, you can offer each guest the ingredients and allow them to build their own before popping them in the oven. For easy construction, serve crumbled and shredded cheese, chopped vegetables and herbs, cold cuts, and dipping sauces such as jarred puttanesca sauce for a spicy take or Alfredo for a creamy preparation. You definitely don't need to be at the beach to enjoy a slice of this beautiful bread anytime.