South-of-the-Border Bruschetta

Name: South-of-the-Border Bruschetta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Cuisine: Mexican Appetizers, Mexican Recipes
Ingredients: 2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and finely chopped; 3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro; 1 to 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 small limes; 12 slices French bread baguette (1/2 inch thick); Crumbled cotija cheese, optional

I like to get creative in the kitchen, and this is one of the first dishes I threw together without using a recipe. It boats a zesty Mexican flavor everyone is sure to love. —Rebecca Spoolstra, Pilot Point, Texas

Ingredients

2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and finely chopped
3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 to 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 small limes
12 slices French bread baguette (1/2 inch thick)
Crumbled cotija cheese, optional

Directions

In a small bowl, mix avocados, cilantro, chili peppers and salt. Finely grate lime peels. Cut limes crosswise in half; squeeze juice from limes. Stir lime peel and juice into avocado mixture. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
Preheat broiler. Place bread slices on an ungreased baking sheet. Broil 3-4 in. from heat 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Top with avocado mixture. If desired, sprinkle with cheese.

Originally published as South of the Border Bruschetta in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2017