Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 oz Caprino di Urbino cheese, room temperature
- 6 fresh figs, sliced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil.
3. Bake the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Remove the baguette slices from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. Spread a generous amount of Caprino di Urbino cheese on each slice of baguette.
6. Top each slice with a few slices of fresh fig.
7. Drizzle honey and balsamic vinegar over the figs.
8. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
10. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5-7 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories: 190
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Caprino di Urbino cheese can be substituted with any soft goat cheese.
- Fresh figs can be substituted with dried figs or any other fresh fruit.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch.
- Substitute honey with fig jam for a sweeter flavor.
- Add a drizzle of truffle oil for a more decadent taste.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the baguette slices with olive oil.
- Toast the baguette slices until they are lightly golden brown for added crunch.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the crostini in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Garnishes:
Fresh thyme leaves
Pairings:
Pair with a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baguette slices are too thick, they may not toast evenly. Slice them thinner for a more even toast.
- If the cheese is too cold, it may not spread easily. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash the figs thoroughly before slicing them.
Food history:
Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to the 15th century. It was originally made with stale bread that was toasted and topped with various spreads and toppings.
Flavor profiles:
This crostini has a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a creamy texture from the Caprino di Urbino cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or a light lunch.
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Region: Italian