Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces Cashel Blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon honey
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the baguette slices with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
4. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until it becomes runny.
5. Top each baguette slice with a few slices of pear, crumbled Cashel Blue cheese, and chopped walnuts.
6. Drizzle the honey over the top of each crostini.
7. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories: 160
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 220mg
Sugar: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any other crusty bread.
- Olive oil can be substituted with any other cooking oil.
- Pears can be substituted with apples or figs.
- Cashel Blue cheese can be substituted with any other blue cheese.
- Walnuts can be substituted with any other nut.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Top with a slice of prosciutto or bacon for a savory twist.
- Use brie or goat cheese instead of Cashel Blue for a milder flavor.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the baguette rounds evenly for even toasting.
- Toast the baguette slices ahead of time and assemble the crostini just before serving.
- Use a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the pears for even slices.
- Crumble the cheese into small pieces for easy distribution on the crostini.
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 on a baking sheet and bake in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Pairings:
Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baguette slices are not toasting evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
- If the honey is too thick to drizzle, heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to loosen it up.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash the pears thoroughly before slicing.
Food history:
Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to the 15th century. It was originally made by toasting bread over an open flame and rubbing it with garlic for flavor.
Flavor profiles:
The crostini has a sweet and savory flavor profile, with the sweetness of the pears and honey balancing out the tanginess of the blue cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch with a side salad.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Irish