Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 pound Alp semi-fat cheese, grated
- 1/2 pound mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil.
3. Bake the baguette slices for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
6. Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme leaves to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender.
7. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste.
8. To assemble the crostini, spread a generous amount of grated Alp semi-fat cheese on each baguette slice.
9. Top each slice with a spoonful of sautéed mushrooms.
10. Serve the crostini warm.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories: 220
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 220mg
Sugar: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Alp semi-fat cheese can be substituted with any semi-hard cheese.
- Mixed mushrooms can be substituted with any type of mushrooms.
Variations:
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top of the crostini for extra flavor.
- Top the crostini with roasted cherry tomatoes for a pop of color.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the baguette evenly to ensure even toasting.
- Use a microplane to grate the cheese for a finer texture.
- Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat to prevent them from releasing too much liquid.
Storage instructions:
Store the crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the crostini in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh thyme leaves
Pairings:
Pair the crostini with a glass of red wine for a perfect appetizer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baguette slices are not toasting evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
- If the cheese is not melting, broil the crostini for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the mushrooms thoroughly before slicing.
- Store the crostini in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
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.
Flavor profiles:
The crostini has a crispy and crunchy texture from the toasted baguette, a creamy and nutty flavor from the Alp semi-fat cheese, and a savory and earthy flavor from the sautéed mushrooms.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer before a meal or as a snack for a party.
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Region: Italian