FRIED BITTERSWEET CHOC BREAD

By BobD

Ingredients

• 8 SERVINGS
• Buttery and crunchy, with a rich, oozy center, these little sandwiches (a cross between panini and chocolate croissants) provide a sweet ending that can be prepared in just minutes.
• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 16 (1/2-inch-thick) baguette slices, cut on a long diagonal
• 1 (3- to 4-oz) fine-quality bittersweet chocolate bar (no more than 70% cacao if marked), broken into 1/2-inch pieces

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from gourmet.com

Preparation

Step 1

Generously butter 1 side of each baguette slice.

Place 8 slices, buttered sides down, on a work surface and cover each slice with chocolate, leaving a 1/4-inch border around edge.

Top with remaining 8 slices, buttered sides up, to make 8 sandwiches.

Heat a dry 12-inch heavy skillet (not nonstick) over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then fry 4 sandwiches, turning over once, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes total.

Transfer sandwiches to a plate and wipe skillet clean. Fry remaining sandwiches in same manner.

Serve warm.

COOKS NOTE: Sandwiches can be assembled 2 hours ahead and kept, covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature.

Fry just before serving.