Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup Bleu d'Aoste cheese, crumbled
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
4. In a small saucepan, heat honey over low heat until it becomes runny.
5. Top each crostini with Bleu d'Aoste cheese, sliced pears, and chopped walnuts.
6. Drizzle honey over the crostini.
7. Place the crostini back in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
8. Serve warm.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories: 160
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 180mg
Sugar: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Bleu d'Aoste cheese can be substituted with any blue cheese.
- Pears can be substituted with apples or figs.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or balsamic glaze.
Variations:
- Add prosciutto or bacon for a savory twist.
- Use goat cheese instead of Bleu d'Aoste for a milder flavor.
- Top crostini with arugula or spinach for added freshness.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the pears thinly for even cooking.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for added flavor.
- Drizzle honey over the crostini after baking to prevent burning.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat crostini in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting, place the crostini under the broiler for a few minutes.
- If the crostini are burning, reduce the oven temperature or bake for a shorter amount of time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash and dry the pears before slicing.
Food history:
Bleu d'Aoste is a blue cheese from the Aosta Valley in Italy.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, sweet, and nutty.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Italian