Appetizer > Italian

Smoked Plum and Walnut Bruschetta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 slices of French bread, sliced 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Smoker box or wood chips

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
3. Place the soaked wood chips in the smoker box and place it on the grill.
4. Brush the bread slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly charred and crispy.
6. Remove the bread slices from the grill and set aside.
7. Add the sliced plums to the grill and smoke for 5-7 minutes until tender and lightly charred.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the goat cheese and honey.
9. To assemble the bruschetta, spread the goat cheese mixture on each bread slice.
10. Top with the smoked plums and chopped walnuts.
11. Serve immediately.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill temperature: medium-high heat
- Smoking temperature: 225-250°F
Serving size:
- Makes 6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- French bread can be substituted with baguette or ciabatta bread.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Goat cheese can be substituted with feta or blue cheese.
- Plums can be substituted with peaches or nectarines.

Variations:
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra sweetness.
- Top with arugula or microgreens for added freshness.
- Substitute the smoked plums with grilled figs or roasted tomatoes.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to soak the wood chips in water before using them in the smoker box.
- Use a grill pan if a grill is not available.
- Adjust the smoking time based on the thickness of the plums.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover bruschetta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the bruschetta in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bruschetta on a wooden board or platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.

Pairings:
- Pair with a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
- Serve with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Tomato soup with basil

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread slices are too thick, they may not cook evenly. Slice them thinner for more even cooking.
- If the plums are not fully cooked, place them back on the grill for a few more minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the plums thoroughly before slicing.
- Store any leftover bruschetta in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.

Food history:
- Bruschetta originated in Italy and traditionally consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with tomatoes and basil.

Flavor profiles:
- The smoky flavor of the plums pairs well with the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the goat cheese.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.
- Great for outdoor gatherings or parties.

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Taste: Savory, Smoky, Sweet, Nutty, Tangy