Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz Knockdrinna Meadow Sheep's Cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
4. Brush the baguette slices with the olive oil mixture.
5. Bake the baguette slices for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the baguette slices from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the crumbled Knockdrinna Meadow Sheep's Cheese, honey, and chopped thyme.
8. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the baguette slices.
9. Serve the crostini warm or at room temperature.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 190mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette: You can use any crusty bread such as ciabatta or sourdough.
- Olive oil: You can use any neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil.
- Knockdrinna Meadow Sheep's Cheese: You can use any crumbly cheese such as feta or goat cheese.
- Honey: You can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
- Thyme: You can use any fresh herb such as rosemary or basil.
Variations:
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the crostini.
- Top the crostini with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cheese mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the baguette slices generously with the olive oil mixture to ensure they are crispy.
- You can make the crostini ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If the cheese mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
Store the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the crostini, place them on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until they are warm and crispy.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
Garnishes:
Fresh thyme sprigs
Pairings:
Serve the crostini with a glass of red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baguette slices are not crispy enough, bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- If the cheese mixture is too thin, add more crumbled cheese to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the crostini in an airtight container to prevent them from getting stale.
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 such as cheese, meats, and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
The crostini has a crispy and crunchy texture with a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the cheese and honey.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crostini as an appetizer for a dinner party or as a snack for a casual get-together.
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Region: Irish