It's not just about olives anymore — gourmet companies are developing tapenades and bruschettas with ingredients like artichokes, figs and fennel to create unique, versatile toppings. Serve a dollop on a crispy baguette or swirl it into pasta for a twist on an easy dinner. Tasty Toppings By Amy Cavanaugh 1 2 1. Bella Cucina’s (404/347-6476 or www. bellacucina.com) spinach artichoke bruschetta spread is a ready-to-eat antipasti with toasted crostini rounds. The spread summons Italian flavors with a combination of fresh spinach leaves, artichoke hearts and a hint of fresh lemon juice and garlic. Suggested retail: $11.95. 2. Tangy balsamic and fresh garlic combine with sun-dried tomatoes for a tapenade that’s delicious as a pizza topping or right out of the jar. The spread is available from Made in Napa Valley (888/NAPA-VLY or www.madeinnapavalley.com). Suggested retail: $8.45. 3. Fresh-picked black olives are mashed with extra virgin olive oil, capers and salt in the Moulins de la Brague tapenade from the French Farm (713/660-0577 or www. thefrenchfarm.com). Suggested retail: $7. Winter FF Show #426. 3 4 4. Jimtown Store’s (707/433-1212 or www.jimtown.com) fig and olive spread combines three classic Mediterranean ingredients — figs, olives and rosemary — for a salty and sweet combination. Use it as a spread, a sauce or a dip. Suggested retail: $6.50. 5. Liven up an antipasto or create inventive crostini with green olive and almond tapenade from Wildly Delicious (888/5459995 or www.wildlydelicious.com). The spread has a bright and balanced flavor. Suggested retail: $8.55. 6. For a taste of Sicily, fennel blood orange tapenade from the Gracious Gourmet (www.thegraciousgourmet.com) combines caramelized fennel and onions with kalamata olives and a punch of blood orange. Stir it into couscous or slather it on crackers. Suggested retail: $8.99. 7. The asparagus asiago bruschetta spread from Elki (425/261-1002 or www.elki. com) is a refreshing twist on a classic. Try folding the spread into an omelet or tossing it with pasta. 5 7 6 34 F a n c y F o o d & c u l i n a r y P r o d u c t s