Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz Ardagh Castle goats cheese, crumbled
- 4 fresh figs, sliced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush each slice of baguette with the olive oil mixture and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the crostini for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the crostini from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
6. Top each crostini with a spoonful of crumbled Ardagh Castle goats cheese.
7. Add a few slices of fresh fig on top of the cheese.
8. Drizzle each crostini with honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts and fresh thyme.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories: 170
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 220mg
Sugar: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of goat cheese can be used instead of Ardagh Castle goats cheese.
- Fresh figs can be substituted with dried figs or other fresh fruits such as pears or apples.
- Chopped almonds or pecans can be used instead of walnuts.
- Fresh rosemary or basil can be used instead of thyme.
Variations:
- Add a slice of prosciutto or cooked bacon on top of the cheese and figs.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the crostini for added sweetness and tanginess.
- Top the crostini with arugula or mixed greens for added freshness and texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the crostini with enough olive oil mixture to ensure they are crispy and flavorful.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the baguette for easier cutting.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the crostini, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or fig slices.
Garnishes:
Fresh thyme sprigs, fig slices, or arugula leaves.
Pairings:
Pair the crostini with a glass of white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the crostini with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the crostini are not crispy enough, bake them for a few more minutes until they are golden brown.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash the figs thoroughly before slicing them.
Food history:
Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that originated in Tuscany. It is typically made with toasted bread and various toppings such as cheese, meats, and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
The crostini has a combination of sweet and savory flavors, with the sweetness of the figs and honey balancing the tanginess of the goat cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer or snack for a party or gathering.
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Region: Irish