Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp. chopped walnuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until lightly toasted.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the blue cheese and honey until well combined.
4. Spread the blue cheese mixture onto each baguette slice.
5. Top each slice with a few slices of pear and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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. Serve warm.
- 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: 160
- Total fat: 5g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 260mg
- Total carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of blue cheese, you can use goat cheese or feta cheese.
- Instead of pears, you can use apples or figs.
- Instead of walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds.
Variations:
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for extra flavor.
- Top with arugula or spinach for some added greens.
- Use different types of cheese for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the pears thinly so they cook evenly.
- Don't over-toast the baguette slices, as they will continue to cook in the oven with the toppings.
- Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the crostini on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the crostini on a platter for a beautiful presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would pair well with this dish.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese isn't melting, try broiling the crostini for a minute or two.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the pears before slicing them.
Food history:
- Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that typically consists of toasted bread topped with various toppings.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is sweet, savory, and nutty all at once.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a snack for a casual gathering.
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