Three Cheese Crostini Appetizer |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 5 Minutes |
Ready In: 25 Minutes Servings: 16 |
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Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes |
3 tablespoons thinly sliced shallots |
2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided |
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar |
3/4 cup ricotta cheese |
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, loosely measured |
1/4 cup prepared basil pesto |
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided |
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice |
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel, loosely measured |
16 slices french or artisan type baguette, cut 1/4-inch thick on the diagonal |
2 to 3 grinds black peppercorns (using handheld grinder) |
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves |
1/4 cup finely shredded fresh pecorino romano cheese, loosely measured |
Directions:
1. Position an oven rack 5 to 6 inches from the broiler element. Preheat the broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. 2. In a small bowl gently toss the tomatoes, shallots, 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and vinegar together. Spread out the mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Set the baking sheet on a rack under the broiler element. Broil until the tomatoes begin to show a few black spots, about 4 minutes with oven door closed. Turn the mixture, using a spatula, and broil 3 minutes longer with the oven door closed. Remove from the oven and transfer the mixture with a slotted spoon to a small bowl; set the bowl aside until needed. Retain the broiler heat on high. 3. While the tomatoes are broiling, combine the ricotta, blue cheese, pesto, 1/2 teaspoon salt, lemon juice and lemon peel in a medium bowl. 4. Arrange the baguette slices on a large baking sheet and brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Put the baking sheet on the rack under the broiler element and broil until golden, about 1 minute or so per side, watching carefully. Remove from oven. 5. To assemble, season the tomato mixture with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and peppercorns, then stir in the basil. Spread some of the ricotta mixture over each crostini. Top with the tomato/onion mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheese, dividing all the ingredients equally among the slices. Transfer to a serving plate and serve. 6. A viewer, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. The Food Network Kitchens chefs cannot make representation as to the results. |
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