Crostini are the perfect quick, inexpensive base to create an endless variety of nibbles from casual to elegant. They are a perfect accompaniment to a salad or soup, or as a light lunch on their own.

Trish’s favourite easy crostini toppings:

Apple and old cheddar on raisin walnut

Pear, Prosciutto and Brie

Blue cheese, fig and candied walnuts

Mascarpone, arugula and fresh fig

Ricotta, watercress and caramelized pear

Want to make a fancier crostini appetizer? Here’s Trish’s fave app for entertaining:

Ingredients:

1/2 baguette or 12 slices

24 cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise

½ cup pesto (your favourite store bought is fine in the interest of time!)

8 oz mozzarella

Basil for garnish, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

How to:

For the crostini:

Preheat oven to 350.

Slice a baguette on a diagonal into slices.  

Drizzle slices with a bit olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet.

Toast until light golden 7-9 minutes.

For the Topping:

Preheat oven to 450.

Slice cherry tomatoes on half.

Place in a single layer on a cookie sheet.

Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Roast 15 minutes or until shriveled and soft.

Method:

Spread pesto on each crostini.  

Put piece of mozzarella on top.

Broil 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted and oozing.  

Top with warm tomato halves and a piece of basil and season with salt and pepper and serve.

Makes about 12.

Courtesy Trish Magwood, www.trishmagwood.ca