This mouthwatering appetizer that will surely impress your guests. This crostini with pear, goat cheese, hot honey, and prosciutto is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, spicy, with the perfect addition of freshness from the basil. It is the perfect appetizer for any occasion because its simple to prepare, but is sure to wow your guests!
The Benefits of Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas to pasta. Not only does it add a creamy and tangy flavor, but it is also a great source of nutrients. Goat cheese is high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which are essential for strong bones and muscles. It is also lower in lactose than cow’s milk cheese, making it easier to digest for those who are lactose intolerant.
When buying goat cheese, it is important to look for a fresh and soft texture. Avoid goat cheese that is sour or has a pungent smell, as this may indicate that it has gone bad. You can also experiment with different types of goat cheese, such as fresh chevre, feta, or aged goat cheese, to add variety to your dishes.
All About Prosciutto
Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries. The curing process involves rubbing the meat with salt and allowing it to air-dry for several months. This technique preserves the meat and gives it a distinct flavor and texture. Prosciutto can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or added to dishes, like this Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini, for a salty and savory flavor.
The origin of prosciutto can be traced back to ancient Rome, where salt-cured pork was a common food. Over time, the technique of dry-curing meat evolved, and prosciutto became a delicacy in Italy. Today, prosciutto is produced in various regions of Italy, each with its unique curing process and flavor profile. When buying prosciutto, look for a quality product that is thinly sliced and has a rich color.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Crostini
Crostini is a versatile appetizer that can be customized to your taste preferences. To make crostini, start with a baguette or another type of crusty bread. Slice the bread into thin pieces and brush them with olive oil. Toast them in the oven until they are crispy and golden brown. For added flavor, rub a garlic clove on each slice before toasting.
Once the bread is toasted, you can add various toppings to create different flavor combinations. For a classic crostini, top the bread with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. You can also experiment with sweet and savory toppings, such as fig and prosciutto, ricotta and honey. When selecting toppings, make sure they complement each other and don’t overpower the bread. Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your crostini toppings – the possibilities are endless!
The Appeal of Sweet and Savory Flavors
One of the most popular flavor combinations in cooking is sweet and savory. This pairing of contrasting tastes can add depth and complexity to a dish and create a unique sensory experience. The sweetness can balance out the saltiness of savory ingredients and provide a contrast of textures and temperatures.
When creating sweet and savory dishes, it’s important to balance the flavors so that one doesn’t overpower the other. For example, in a dish like our crostini with pear, goat cheese, hot honey, and prosciutto, the sweetness of the pear and honey is balanced out by the salty and savory flavors of the prosciutto and goat cheese. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
Experimenting with sweet and savory flavors can also lead to unexpected and delightful combinations. Try adding a sweet component, such as fruit or honey, to a savory dish like roasted chicken or grilled steak. Or, incorporate savory ingredients, like bacon or cheese, into a sweet dish like pancakes or waffles.
The possibilities are endless, and incorporating sweet and savory flavors can elevate your cooking to new heights.
Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini
Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 baguette sliced
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tbsp sugar or sweetener of choice (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves peeled
- 1-2 pears thinly sliced
- 8 oz goat cheese room temperature
- 2 tbsp hot honey
- 8 slices prosciutto torn into small pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Gilled Pears (Option 1):
- Preheat grill to 375
- Thinly slice the pear(s) and place in a bowl. I like to cut the pear in half and then make thin, vertical slices.
- Add 2 tbsp of olive oil and 2 tbsp of sugar (or sweetener of choice) to the bowl. Toss to combine.
- Place the pear slices on the grill. Cover and cook until grill marks appear. Flip the pear slices and continue to cook until tender.
Macerated Pears (Option 2):
- Thinly slice the pear(s) into and place in a bowl. I like to cut the pear in half and then make thin, vertical slices.
- Add 2 tbsp of sugar (or sweetener of choice), 2 tbsp of lemon, and a dash of salt to the bowl. Toss to combine.
- Let sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until your desired softness. This will depend on the ripeness of the pear(s).
Fresh Pears (Option 3):
- Thinly slice the pear(s) and set aside. I like to cut the pear in half and then make thin, vertical slices.
Whipped Goat Cheese:
- Place the goat cheese in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Pulse until incorporated.
Crostini:
- Turn the broiler to high and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush the baguette slices with olive oil (on both sides) and place them on the lined baking sheet. Place them under the broiler until golden brown. Remove them from the broiler, flip the baguette slices, and return them to the broiler until golden brown on the opposite side.
- Rub the garlic cloves on each of the baguette slices.
- Assemble the crostini: Spread the goat cheese mixture onto each baguette slice (about a tablespoon each). Place a pear slice on top of the goat cheese. Position a piece of torn prosciutto on top of the pear. [option: if desired, you can place the crostini under the broiler to crisp the prosciutto]. Finish each crostini with a drizzle of hot honey.
- Enjoy!
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