Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz. goat cheese
- 1 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
- Salt to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, black pepper, honey, thyme, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
4. Spread the goat cheese mixture on top of each crostini.
5. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories: 170
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 210mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Goat cheese can be substituted with feta cheese or cream cheese.
- Black pepper can be substituted with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Thyme can be substituted with rosemary or basil.
Variations:
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the goat cheese mixture for added crunch.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze on top of the crostini for added sweetness.
- Top with sliced figs or grapes for added flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil to ensure even toasting.
- Let the crostini cool for a few minutes before spreading the goat cheese mixture to prevent it from melting.
- Use a fork to crumble the goat cheese for easier mixing.
Storage instructions:
Store the crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the crostini in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
Garnishes:
Fresh thyme sprigs
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of white wine or champagne.
- Pair with a salad for a light lunch or dinner.
Suggested side dishes:
- Tomato and basil salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the goat cheese mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the crostini are too hard, brush them with a little bit of water before toasting.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store the crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth.
- Use clean utensils and surfaces when preparing the recipe to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to the medieval times. It was originally made with stale bread that was toasted and topped with olive oil and salt. Today, crostini is often served with a variety of toppings, including cheese, meats, and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
The Caprino al Pepe di Bagnolo Crostini is a savory and slightly sweet appetizer. The goat cheese adds a tangy flavor, while the black pepper and thyme add a hint of spice. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the flavors.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian