Thursday, April 11, 2013

Prosciutto and Pesto Crostini | Friday Night Bites



The wait is over.  I teased you about what kind of Crostini I would be sharing for Friday Night Bites.  Now the day has finally arrived.  Yippee Skippee!  I made these first for Easter then for my dinner party on Saturday night and they will also be enjoyed for this week’s Friday Night Bites.

I absolutely adore a great Crostini and these rank high on my list.  Oh, did I mention, they are super easy.  If you have a Trader Joe’s near you, all ingredients can be purchased there.  If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s close or you want to put that handmade touch on it, I have included the recipes for that.  Either way; a terrific impromptu appetizer for unexpected guests or to simply enjoy while enjoying your favorite movie or television show.

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Speaking of television shows, is anyone watching Dallas on TNT network?  Hubby and I are addicted and typically save it to watch on Friday nights.  This week, we have the season finale to enjoy and just found out that it has been renewed for a third season.  I am so happy.  Sometimes it is the small things in life that make you happy. 


Prosciutto and Pesto Crostini

Makes 24

Baguette, 24 half inch slices
24 Marinated Bocconcini (Mini Mozzarella Balls) (Recipe below)
6 Slices Prosciutto
Pesto (homemade or store bought)

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees.

Lay out the 24 slices of baguettes onto a cookie sheet.  Cut each bocconcini into thirds and lay on top of each slice of baguette.  Repeat until all are covered.  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and Crostini is golden brown.

While the Crostini is cooking, cook the Prosciutto until crispy.  Use a skillet and add a bit of olive oil and cook one slice of Prosciutto at a time.  Cook on medium high heat and flip a few times to ensure even cooking.  Let cool on a paper towel.  Repeat until all are cooked.  Break each piece into 4 pieces.

Top each Crostini with a teaspoon of pesto and spread then top with the crispy Prosciutto.  Enjoy!

Basil Pesto Sauce

2 C. Fresh basil leaves, packed tightly
½ C. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/3 C. Pine nuts, toasted
½ C. Olive oil
3 Garlic cloves, smashed
Salt and pepper to taste

Use a food processor to make this sauce.  Simply add the basil leaves, parmesan cheese, pine nuts and garlic cloves.  Pulse for 10 seconds and then slowly pour the olive oil into the mixture while food processor is on.  Continue to pulse until the mixture is smooth.  Taste and then season with salt and pepper.  Place into an airtight container immediately so the bright green color remains.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

Marinated Bocconcini

1/4 Cup Olive Oil
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 Cup Flat Leaf Parsley, minced
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

Mix together all of the above ingredients in a medium bowl and toss in the drained and dried bocconcini.  Let them infuse together for at least one hour in the refrigerator.


18 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, this is definitely my kind of crostini! Amazing :)

    Happy Blogging!
    Happy Valley Chow

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  2. I absolutely love these flavors together, Lisa! The marinated bocconcini is perfect too, a winner recipe!

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  3. This crostini was definitely worth the wait (and teasing!). :D Looks scrumptious!!

    I just started getting into Dallas (it's on just before Monday Mornings). :)

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  4. these are perfect quick bites for a get together or a casual friday night.. Looks delicious

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  5. These look amazing! I love the salty crispy prosciutto - so good!

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  6. I'm s bit of a TV moron but I'd sit and watch any show with you on a Friday night if these yummy crostini would be the nibbles for the evening!

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  7. These are completely delicious looking! My kind of comfort type food for sure. Thank you for sharing!

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  8. Yep...this is right up my alley. Friday night bites, a good idea...

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  9. I love that you guys have a Friday night ritual, especially one involving delicious food and good TV :)Little Man is a huge fan of pesto so I've bookmarked your pesto sauce to make for him this weekend!

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  10. Love the basil pesto! Delicious crostini!

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  11. We love to have this kind of snack food instead of dinner sometimes, or when we go down to watch the sunset by the beach. Such good flavor! I love crispy prosciutto. We're not watching Dallas, but Foyle's War from Masterpiece Theater. We get it on Netflix and are savoring each episode!

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  12. I love the fact that the prosciutto is all crisped up - this is good news to me! I want in on these! Reminds mt of being in Italy :)

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  13. Can I just say that I really don't like that the TV show Dallas even exists? ;) When you live abroad and tell people you're from Dallas, it's always the first thing people mention. Just before George W. Ugh. Then they tell me that *I* don't speak like a Texan and then ask where my cowboy boots, etc. are. Really annoying! Ok. Rant over. I just had to get that out. :)

    The crostinis look yummy! Love your Friday Nite Bites series. :)

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  14. Oh I can see why these little crostini were a hit. Pesto with a little bacon on lovely toasty bread is a great way to start wetting the appetite.

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  15. Great Friday night bite!!! I love these flavors together and on top of toast-Yes! I could make a meal from this deliciousness;-)
    Hope you're enjoying this beautiful weekend Lisa!

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  16. This looks fabulous! I would have to enjoy it with a cold glass of Pinot Grigio! ;) Love these ingredients and flavors!

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  17. My mouth is watering...these crostini are fabulous, Lisa! I know I keep saying you out due yourself each week - but this may just be my favorite to date!

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  18. I love, love the flavors here, Lisa. Another perfect crostini from the master! :)

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