Appetizer > Italian > Tuscan

Pecorino di Garfagnina Crostini Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 pound Pecorino di Garfagnina cheese, shaved
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste

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 and brush each slice with olive oil.
3. Bake the baguette slices for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the honey and chopped rosemary.
5. Top each baguette slice with a few shavings of Pecorino di Garfagnina cheese.
6. Drizzle the honey and rosemary mixture over the cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12-15 crostini

Nutritional information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 220mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Pecorino di Garfagnina cheese can be substituted with any hard, salty cheese such as Parmesan or Asiago.
- Rosemary can be substituted with thyme or oregano.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Variations:
- Add thinly sliced prosciutto or salami on top of the cheese.
- Top with sliced figs or grapes for a sweet and savory twist.
- Substitute the honey and rosemary mixture with balsamic glaze for a tangy flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to shave the cheese thinly.
- Make the crostini ahead of time and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
- Serve the crostini warm or at room temperature.

Storage instructions:
Store the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
Place the crostini on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.

Garnishes:
Fresh rosemary sprigs

Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
- Pair with a charcuterie board for a complete appetizer spread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baguette slices are too thick, they may not crisp up in the oven. Slice them thinner for a crispier crostini.
- If the cheese is not shaving easily, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

Food safety advice:
- Store the crostini in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
- Use a clean knife to shave the cheese to prevent cross-contamination.

Food history:
Pecorino di Garfagnina is a hard, salty cheese made from sheep's milk in the Garfagnana region of Tuscany, Italy. It has been produced for centuries and is known for its distinct flavor and texture.

Flavor profiles:
Salty, sweet, and savory

Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack before a meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Nutty, Creamy, Aromatic