Appetizer > Crostini

Knockalara Sheep's Cheese and Fig Crostini Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces Knockalara sheep's cheese, crumbled
- 4 fresh figs, sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar.
5. Top each crostini with crumbled Knockalara sheep's cheese and sliced figs.
6. Drizzle honey-balsamic mixture over the top of the crostini.
7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
8. Serve immediately.


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

Nutritional information:
Calories: 170
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 260mg
Sugar: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of cheese can be substituted for Knockalara sheep's cheese.
- Fresh figs can be substituted for dried figs.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar can be substituted for honey.
- Red wine vinegar can be substituted for balsamic vinegar.
- Fresh basil or mint can be substituted for parsley.

Variations:
- Add a slice of prosciutto or ham to each crostini.
- Top with sliced almonds or walnuts for added crunch.
- Use sliced peaches or pears instead of figs.
- Drizzle with a balsamic glaze instead of honey-balsamic mixture.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the baguette into even rounds for consistent cooking.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute the olive oil on each crostini.
- Crumble the cheese into small pieces for easy topping.
- Slice the figs thinly for easy eating.

Storage instructions:
Crostini can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
Crostini can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange crostini on a platter and garnish with additional parsley or fig slices.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, sliced figs

Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or charcuterie board.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the crostini are not crispy enough, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash the figs thoroughly before slicing.

Food history:
Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to the 15th century.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, sweet, tangy

Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack.

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Region: Irish

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Sweet, Nutty, Creamy