Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 4 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of baguette slices with olive oil and place on the grill. Grill for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly charred and crispy.
4. In a separate bowl, toss sliced plums with the honey-balsamic mixture.
5. Spread goat cheese onto each baguette slice.
6. Top each slice with a few slices of the marinated plums.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Temperature:
Grill or grill pan at medium-high heat
Serving size:
Makes 12 crostini
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 110
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Feta cheese can be used instead of goat cheese.
- Peaches or nectarines can be used instead of plums.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for extra sweetness.
- Top with prosciutto or bacon for a savory twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the baguette slices with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
- Use ripe, juicy plums for the best flavor.
- Don't over-marinate the plums, as they can become too soft and mushy.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat 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 basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baguette slices are too thick, they may not cook through on the grill. Slice them thinner for faster cooking time.
- If the plums are too tart, add a bit more honey to the marinade.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash and dry the plums before slicing.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Food history:
Crostini is a traditional Italian appetizer that dates back to the 15th century. It was originally made with stale bread that was toasted and topped with various ingredients.
Flavor profiles:
The sweet and smoky flavors of the plums and honey-balsamic mixture pair perfectly with the tangy goat cheese and crispy baguette.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack at a party or gathering.
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