Costa d'Oro Olive and Cheese Crostini Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup Costa d'Oro olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Small spoon or spatula

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped olives, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Spread the olive and cheese mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
5. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-14 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F
Serving size:
- Makes 12 crostini

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Costa d'Oro olives, you can use any other type of olives.
- Instead of mozzarella cheese, you can use any other type of cheese that melts well.
- Instead of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
- Instead of sour cream, you can use plain yogurt or ricotta cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the olive and cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Top each crostini with a slice of tomato or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
- Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to chop the olives finely so that they are evenly distributed in the mixture.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove of minced garlic.
- You can make the olive and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the crostini on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves

Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad or a bowl of soup would pair well with these crostini.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting, try broiling the crostini for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store any leftover crostini in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
- Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to medieval times. It was originally made with stale bread that was toasted and topped with various ingredients.

Flavor profiles:
- The Costa d'Oro olives add a salty and slightly tangy flavor to the crostini, while the cheese and garlic add a rich and savory taste.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve these crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a snack for a casual gathering.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Garlicky, Herby, Tangy, Salty