Crostini With Mussels Recipe

Directions:

1. Fill a high-sided saute pan with olive oil 1 deep. Place over medium heat. Dip bread in vinegar, then let drain on clean towels for a few minutes. Fry bread in hot oil until golden brown and crunchy. Remove to paper towels to drain.
2. Clean the mussels - remove beards, scrape, and rinse. Discard any that do not close when tapped. Place in a large enough pot, cover, and cook over high heat until they open. Discard any which do not open. Drain mussels, reserving the liquid. Add water to bring the volume to 1 cup. Remove mussels from shells and set aside, discarding shells.
3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saute pan. Add garlic and chili pepper and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add mussels, reserved liquid and bay leaves. Simmer 5 minutes, then add wine. Cook another 5 minutes, then add parsley.
4. Place 2 crostini in each bowl. Top with a ladleful of mussels and cooking liquid.