Super Shrimp and Garlic Bruschetta

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil (or spray a small skillet with olive oil)
• 6 ounces raw shrimp or prawns, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped'
• 2 medium mushrooms, minced
• 2 tablespoons onions, finely chopped
• salt and pepper
• 4 tablespoons cream cheese, plain or flavored (I used garden vegetable lite)
• 6 drops hot sauce (more or less to suit your taste)
• salt and pepper
• 8 slices cheddar cheese, pieces (enough to cover each bruschetta, I used aged) or of your favorite cheese (Neerdammer is excellent)
• 8 slices baguette, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick
• olive oil, enough to lightly paint one side of the bread slices

Directions

1. 1

   Lightly paint one side of the bread slices with oil and place under the broiler, oil side up and lightly brown the bread- remove from oven (you may do this the day before and keep them fresh in a sealed tin).

2. 2

   On an oiled skillet saute the garlic, onions & mushrooms until almost golden- add chopped shrimp and saute for about 2 minutes or until the shrimp meat is just cooked (do not over cook).

3. 3

   Add hot sauce & season with salt & pepper.

4. 4

   Add cream cheese and mix well, cover & store in fridge until just before serving, have it at room temp when you are ready to spread the mixture on the bread slices.

5. 5

   Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

6. 6

   10 minutes before you want to serve evenly spread the shrimp mixture on the unbaked side of the bread, take it out to the edges.

7. 7

   Cover with the thin slices of cheddar.

8. 8

   Place on baking sheet or a pizza stone and bake at 375 degrees F for apprx 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

9. 9

   Serve warm or hot.