Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/4 cup port wine
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brush each baguette slice with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
4. In a small saucepan, heat port wine and honey over medium heat until mixture is reduced by half.
5. Spread goat cheese onto each crostini and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
6. Drizzle port wine and honey reduction over the top of each crostini.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of bread can be used instead of French baguette.
- Blue cheese or feta cheese can be used instead of goat cheese.
- Chopped pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts.
Variations:
- Add sliced pears or figs on top of the crostini for a sweet twist.
- Use balsamic vinegar instead of port wine for a tangy flavor.
- Top with sliced prosciutto for a savory addition.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the crostini ahead of time, bake the bread slices and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Warm the goat cheese in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to spread.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly spread the port wine and honey reduction on top of the crostini.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place crostini in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary
- Sliced pears or figs
- Prosciutto
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of port wine or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the goat cheese is too crumbly to spread, mix with a tablespoon of cream cheese to make it smoother.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store leftover crostini in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Food history:
- Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to medieval times.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and tangy from the port wine and honey reduction, creamy and tangy from the goat cheese, and crunchy and nutty from the walnuts.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a snack for a wine and cheese night.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A