Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Pecorino della Costa Apuana cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Grater
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 in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown.
4. Rub the garlic clove over the toasted baguette slices.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, Pecorino della Costa Apuana cheese, salt, and pepper.
6. Spoon the tomato and cheese mixture onto the toasted baguette slices.
7. Place the crostini back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-14 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Pecorino della Costa Apuana cheese can be substituted with any hard cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped garlic to the tomato and cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Top the crostini with sliced black olives or capers for a briny twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a serrated knife to slice the baguette for even slices.
- Make sure to brush the baguette slices with enough olive oil to prevent them from drying out in the oven.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the crostini to become soggy.
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 in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crostini become too soggy, try toasting them in the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp them up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Food history:
- Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to ancient Rome.
Flavor profiles:
- The crostini has a crispy texture with a savory and slightly tangy flavor from the tomato and cheese mixture.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the crostini as an appetizer or as a light lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian