Made By Girl: crostini

FOOD: PEACH CROSTINI & GOAT CHEESE

Hello MBG! Fallon here sharing with you a delicious way to enjoy what is left of summer. Can you believe Fall is right around the corner? I for one couldn't be more thrilled (it's my favorite season after all) but that doesn't mean I'm not going to spend the next few weeks enjoying all the summer fruit options while I still can. I made this appetizer for dinner and ended up eating every last one, never making it to my main course. That's what I love about crostini's they are perfect for an appetizer when having friends over for dinner, but also work well as a quick and delicious dinner for one.

Ingredients: makes 6

1/2 small baguette (I used a combo of Italian & pumpernickel)
2 oz Soft Goat Cheese (or Tofutti cream cheese for those allergic to Dairy)
1 Peach
1 handful of fresh basil
2 Tbsp EVOO
Honey for drizzle

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Slice bread, place on cookie sheet, and drizzle both sides with EVOO; bake for 5 min each side
Meanwhile slice peach and grill, both sides
Slice basil and saute in a small pan with a dash of EVOO for approx. 3 mins, until slightly crunchy
Remove bread from over and let cool
Style it yummy... starting with the goat cheese, adding the peach slice, and a pinch of crunchy basil
Make it sparkle with a drizzle of honey

- recipe & photos by Fallon Carmichael, Sage & Sparkle

Food: Three Ways to Serve Crostini

Hello there! Heather Freeman of The Lovely Cupboard here, and I'm back to share a recipe with you today. Actually, I've got three easy ways you can serve crostini at your upcoming New Year's Eve party.

Crostini is such a fancy name for little toasts, but that's really all it is. However, this bite-sized crispy bread can be topped with anything from hummus to chutney. To begin with, you'll need a baguette, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and slice bread at an angle. (This allows more surface area for yummy toppings.)
2. Lay on a baking sheet or stone and brush each piece with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes. If desired, rub a fresh garlic clove over the surface of each toast. (It gives just a hint of garlic flavor.)
4. Next, top with any assortment of spreads, meats, and veggies. I've got a few suggestions for you below...

This tastes like a caprese salad with a crunch. Spread fresh or jarred pesto. Top with fresh mozzarella and half of a cherry tomato.

For this spread, mix two parts herbed goat cheese and one part cream cheese. Top with thinly sliced cucumber. I used a cranberry chutney, but any fruit chutney would work. Mango tastes delicious with it.

This is such a classic combination that you can never go wrong with it. Cream cheese, smoked salmon with dill, and capers. This one is my favorite.

These make such great appetizers for a party since you can assemble them shortly before guests arrive. So hang the mistletoe, light the candles, and bring on the white elephant gifts. You've got crostinis and you know how to serve them!

Cheers and warm dishes,

-post by heather freeman