Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup of Formaggella Valcavallina cheese, crumbled
- 1 can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil.
3. Bake the baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until they are lightly toasted.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled Formaggella Valcavallina cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Spoon the cheese and artichoke mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove the crostini from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-14 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 12 crostini.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Formaggella Valcavallina cheese can be substituted with any soft, mild cheese such as Brie or Camembert.
- Artichoke hearts can be substituted with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add sliced black olives or chopped fresh tomatoes to the cheese and artichoke mixture for added flavor.
- Top the crostini with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy twist.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the crostini ahead of time, prepare the cheese and artichoke mixture and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- To make the crostini extra crispy, brush the baguette slices with melted butter before toasting.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the crostini, place them on a baking sheet and bake 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 parsley or basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve the crostini with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would pair well with the crostini.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese and artichoke mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of olive oil to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to properly store any leftover crostini in the refrigerator to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to medieval times.
Flavor profiles:
- The crostini has a creamy and tangy flavor from the Formaggella Valcavallina cheese and artichoke hearts.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch or snack.
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Region: Italian