I love to make crostini because it takes something that you would otherwise toss out and make it into something delightfully crispy perfect for snacks and elegant appetizers. Take a look at how easy it is to make home-made crostini and magically turn it into one of these three impressive appetizers.
(All photos taken by Nikki Santavy)
Crostini:
1 long baguette
¼ cup olive oil
Salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice the baguette at an angle about ¼ inch thick slices. Spread slices in an even layer on a baking sheet, drizzle one side with half of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 2-3 minutes until lightly crisp on topside. Remove pan from the oven. Flip slices over and drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; continue baking for anther 2-3 min until crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the pan. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
3 Sorts of Crostini Toppings:
Fresh Strawberries and Goat Cheese with Basil
Top crostini with goat cheese, fresh strawberry slices and thinly slices basil. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar just before serving is desired.
Fresh Pear and Blue Cheese with Honey
Top crostini with goat cheese, fresh pear slices and drizzle with honey just before serving.
Blue Cheese with Toasted Pecans and Grapes
¼ cup chopped pecans
1-tablespoon butter
¾ cup blue cheese, crumbled
1-3 teaspoons milk or cream
½ cup red grapes sliced in half
Fresh parsley or chervil for garnish
In a medium sauté pan melt butter and add pecans stirring to evenly toast about 3 minutes. Remove pecans from pan and allow to cool.
In a small bowl combine crumbled blue cheese, cooled pecans, and just enough milk or cream to have the mixture hold together.
Top each crostini with a scoop of the cheese mixture, press the grapes into the cheese mixture and garnish with herbs, serve immediately.
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