9 peppered and caramelized crostini with Recipes

butter, divided, ripe bartlett pears, cored, peeled, and chopped, salt, white or whole-wheat baguette, sage leaves, chopped, crumbled mild blue cheese, freshly ground black pepper

unsalted butter, olive oil, fennel bulb, trimmed, halved, cored , and sliced crosswise 1/8-inch thick, fronds reserved, yellow onion, halved and sliced 1/8-inch thick, dry white wine, salt and pepper, baguette , cut on the bias into 24 thin slices

baguette, olive oil, chopped parsley, chopped dill, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, creamy blue cheese spread, caramelized onion relish

french baguette, lightly grilled, fresh orange juice, sugar, plums, halved, pitted and sliced, fresh ricotta, freshly ground black pepper

red onions, thinly sliced, garlic cloves, thinly sliced, brown sugar, dried thyme, salt and pepper, red wine, dry, chicken broth, goat cheese (1/4 cup), baguette, each 1/2-inch thick, toasted, fresh thyme sprig (to garnish ) (optional)

neo-tuscan boule bread, 1 inch thick slices (easy to find at bj s), vegetable oil, butter, softened, cream cheese, garlic cloves, onions, halved and thinly sliced, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, poultry seasoning, light brown sugar, bacon, diced, imitation bacon bits (as a vegetarian option)

dry red wine, ruby port, whole black peppercorn, shallot, minced, fresh thyme sprigs, plus, chopped thyme, sugar, strawberries, hulled (2 pints), grated orange zest, water, fresh goat cheese, softened, heavy cream, fresh ground pepper, crostini , for serving, toasted walnuts , for serving