Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Caprina Friulana cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Brush the slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
4. Bake the baguette slices in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Caprina Friulana cheese, and chopped basil. Mix well.
6. Spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture onto each crostini.
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. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve the crostini warm.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 17-19 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories: 150
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Caprina Friulana cheese, you can use feta cheese or goat cheese.
- Instead of fresh basil, you can use dried basil or other fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Variations:
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese mixture before baking.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze on top of the crostini before serving.
- Add chopped walnuts or pine nuts to the cheese mixture for added crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the baguette evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Let the crostini cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the crostini on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze, chopped nuts
Pairings:
This crostini pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crostini are not crispy enough, bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, bake the crostini for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftover crostini in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to the medieval times. It was originally made with stale bread that was toasted and topped with various ingredients such as cheese, meats, and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
This crostini has a creamy and tangy flavor from the ricotta and Caprina Friulana cheese, with a hint of sweetness from the basil.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch with a side salad.
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Region: Italian