How many times do you wish you had a creative appetizer that will “wow” your guests? I bet the answer is a resounding YES!
While browsing through Pinterest, I can across a fantastic crostini recipe that will most certainly impress. I have found time after time, the simplest ingredients put together make the best recipes. This Roasted Grape Crostini fulfills that philosophy. It is smoky, sweet, salty, crunchy, creamy and herbaceous all at the same time.
During my holiday vacation of seventeen glorious days, my hubby and I did quite a bit of entertaining at our house. {One of my favorite things to do}. I served this Roasted Grape Crostini to our guests and this appetizer certainly impressed. It is so simple yet the flavor combinations together are simply wonderful. For me, the grilled ciabatta bread is the key to the success of this appetizer.
I saw a great saying the other day that every foodie can identify with – “Mangia Vita Amore”. It is Italian for – “Eat, Live, Love”. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is geared up for a fantastic 2012!
Roasted Grapes with Thyme, Ricotta and Grilled Bread
Grapes (used seedless purple grapes)
Ciabatta Bread
Olive oil
Ricotta Cheese
Thyme
Lemon Zest
Fleur de Sel
Preheat oven to 450ºF. Spread grapes onto a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt. Toss all together gently with your hands. Place pan in the oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until grapes just begin to burst.
Meanwhile, heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush the bread with olive oil. Grill until nice and toasty. Tip: keep heat at medium and toast longer, to prevent burning.
Assemble the open-faced sandwiches: Spread ricotta over bread. Top with roasted grapes. Add the lemon zest and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Sprinkle with a bit of salt or fleur de sel. Tip: Have the ricotta at room temperature before spreading.
*This recipe is originally from Real Simple Magazine, September 2011 and I found it on Alexander’s Kitchen through Pinterest. I made a few slight alterations. It is a loose recipe, so you have flexibility to make as many or little crostini’s as you like.
These look fabulous...and simple is usually best, especially with really great ingredients! Love these...
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing! Love all those flavors together...I have never had roasted grapes but I bet they are really delicious! :)
ReplyDeleteI do like delicious food that is simple, quick and easy to prepare...these look divine :)
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Oh Lisa these look fabulous! You are so much fun to follow on Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteHope you're enjoying your weekend;-)
I roast vegetables all the time and occasionally grill fruit, but I've never had roasted grapes. Very creative!
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this. GREG
ReplyDeleteThese are fabulous Lisa. I like new the idea of these, I bet the grapes were good for adding a little sweetness. Hope you had a Happy New Years. I loved all the holidays, but I'm looking forward to some lighter fare, actually these would make a good dinner, when you don't want anything too heavy. Hope you had a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDelete-Gina-
The perfection of this combination says it all...salty, sweet, creamy. Delicious!
ReplyDeleteRoasted grapes have been on our to-do list for a while. This recipe might be the perfect opportunity!
ReplyDeletewow will try this soon... looks good pairing with wine... yey! have a blast in 2012!
ReplyDeleteI always have such a difficult time finding good appetizers! This one will def be making the list the next time we have company over. Thanks!
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