Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 8 oz Formaggio di Montagna cheese, sliced
- 1 cup fig jam
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brush each slice of baguette with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
4. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Spread a generous amount of fig jam on each slice of bread.
6. Top each slice with a slice of Formaggio di Montagna cheese.
7. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top of the cheese.
8. Place the crostini back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 220
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 220mg
Sugar: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any type of bread.
- Formaggio di Montagna cheese can be substituted with any type of cheese.
- Fig jam can be substituted with any type of fruit jam.
Variations:
- Add prosciutto or ham on top of the cheese for a savory twist.
- Use honey instead of fig jam for a sweeter flavor.
- Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the bread with enough olive oil to ensure it gets crispy.
- Don't overbake the crostini, as the cheese can become too melted and lose its shape.
- Let the crostini cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burning your mouth.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the crostini 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 or a sparkling rosé.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken or fish
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is not melting, place the crostini under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store leftover crostini in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth.
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 crostini has a combination of sweet and savory flavors, with the fig jam adding sweetness and the Formaggio di Montagna cheese adding a rich and nutty flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a snack for a casual gathering.
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Region: Italian