Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup pearà sauce
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them with olive oil.
3. Bake the baguette slices for 8-10 minutes or until they are lightly toasted.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the pearà sauce, blue cheese, and chopped walnuts. Mix well.
5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Spoon the pearà and blue cheese mixture onto the toasted baguette slices.
7. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve the crostini warm or at room temperature.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-17 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 12-14 crostini.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Olive oil can be substituted with any cooking oil.
- Pearà sauce can be substituted with any creamy sauce or spread.
- Blue cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
- Walnuts can be substituted with any other type of nut.
Variations:
- Add sliced pears or apples on top of the crostini for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Use goat cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder flavor.
- Add a drizzle of honey on top of the crostini for extra sweetness.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the baguette into even rounds to ensure even toasting.
- Don't over-toast the baguette slices, as they will become too hard and difficult to eat.
- Use a cheese grater to crumble the blue cheese if it's too soft to crumble by hand.
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 a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or additional chopped walnuts.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme
- Chopped walnuts
- Drizzle of honey
Pairings:
- Serve the crostini with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Soup
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crostini are too soft, toast them for an additional 1-2 minutes to make them crispy.
- If the cheese is not melting, place the crostini under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store any leftover crostini in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Food history:
- Pearà is a traditional sauce from the Piedmont region of Italy, made with bread crumbs, broth, and herbs.
Flavor profiles:
- The crostini have a savory and creamy flavor from the pearà and blue cheese, with a crunchy texture from the toasted baguette and walnuts.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the crostini as an appetizer or snack at a party or gathering.
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Region: Italian