If you’re going to kick back this weekend with friends and some lovely libations, or have a group over for brunch, you may need a snack idea.
Here it is: DIY Crostini.
The crunchy little toasts are great with wine or beer, and a fun food when people add their own toppings.
Set out all kinds of sweet and savory toast toppings and let your guests help themselves. We’ve got flavor combo ideas galore, but let your imagination run wild.
You decide how many options you want to offer. Here’s are some options, plus a recipe for White Bean Dip & Spread below. RECIPE #1: DIY CROSTINI:
SPREADS
Guests start by choosing a spread for the crostini:
Bean spread (recipe below)
Hummus
Flavored cream cheese
Flavored ricotta or other spreadable cheese
Pesto
Pimento cheese
TOPPINGS
Offer as many or as few as you like:
Anchovies or sardines
Arugula, baby
Avocado, mashed
Bacon, chopped
Basil, julienned
Berries: blueberries, diced strawberries, raspberries
Caramelized onions
Chicken mousse (paté) with fig jam
Eggplant salad, chopped
Grapes, halved
Grape tomatoes, halved, roasted or marinated
Mini cucumbers, sliced
Pimento or sundried tomatoes, sliced
Piquillo peppers
Prosciutto or charcuterie
Scallions or red onions, chopped
RECIPE #2: WHITE BEAN SPREAD
Ingredients
1 can (14unces) cannellini beans
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Zest from 1 lemon
Juice from 1 lemon
2 tablespoons parsley
Loaf of French or Italian country bread
Preparation
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 [1] Crostini topped with white bean spread and a selection of garnishes (photo © DeLallo Foods).
 [2] Crostini with ricotta topping. Here’s the recipe from topping ideas from Honestly Yum (photo © Honestly Yum),
 [3] Crostini with hummus and pimento and basil (photo © Gaea Olive Oil).
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1. COMBINE all ingredients in a food processor and purée until smooth. Taste for seasoning and add more lemon or salt as desired.
2. MAKE the crostini. Heat the oven to 400°F. Slice the bread and drizzle with olive oil on both sides. Bake for 10 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
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THE NIBBLE Blog – Adventures In The World Of Fine Food
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