- 6 large red bell peppers
- 40 2-inch-diameter 1/2-inch-thick diagonal baguette slices
- 3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 1/2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, halved
- Char peppers over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Wrap in paper bag; let stand 10 minutes. Peel peppers. Set strainer over bowl. Holding peppers over bowl to catch any juices, seed peppers. Cut into thin strips. Place in bowl. (Can be made 1 day ahead; chill. Bring to room temperature before using.)
- Preheat broiler. Arrange bread on baking sheet. Broil until toasted, about 2 minutes. Trun bread over. Brush with 1 1/2 tablespoons oil. Broil until golden, about 2 minutes. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
- Add basil, 2 tablespoons oil and minced garlic to peppers. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Rub oiled side of each bread slice with cut side of garlice halves. Divide peppers among bread slices.