Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup of ciauscolo, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the slices of baguette on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil.
3. Bake the baguette slices in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced ciauscolo and ricotta cheese. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Once the baguette slices are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
7. Spread a generous amount of the ciauscolo and ricotta mixture onto each baguette slice.
8. Garnish each crostini with a fresh basil leaf.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12 crostini.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 220mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ciauscolo can be substituted with any other cured meat such as prosciutto or salami.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or feta cheese.
Variations:
- Add a drizzle of honey on top of the crostini for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Top the crostini with sliced cherry tomatoes for a fresh and colorful twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the ciauscolo thinly to ensure that it spreads evenly on the crostini.
- Use a good quality baguette for the best results.
- You can make the crostini ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Storage instructions:
Store the crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the crostini, place them 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 basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine for a perfect pairing.
- Pair with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crostini are too crispy, reduce the baking time in the oven.
- If the ciauscolo and ricotta mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of olive oil to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store the crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent any bacterial growth.
- Always wash your hands and utensils thoroughly before handling food.
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 various ingredients such as cheese, cured meats, and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
The ciauscolo and ricotta crostini is a perfect combination of savory and creamy flavors. The ciauscolo adds a salty and smoky flavor while the ricotta cheese provides a creamy and tangy taste.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer or as a light lunch.
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Region: Italian