It is suppose to rain here in the Bay Area for the next week and everyone is getting ready. I know that other parts of the country have much more severe weather and we are so fortunate to have the mild seasons. Rainy weather is synonymous with comfort food. Not just Mac and Cheese and mashed potatoes, but food that makes you really happy. Appetizers make me happy.
The holidays are filled with a lot of cocktail parties and other gatherings. If you are like me, abundant finger foods is the best way to eat during the holidays. Many nibbles, tastes, textures and flavors make me happy. This appetizer is a tried and true hit at every party I have thrown. You can either serve them on a platter all prepared or simply serve the pesto in a decorative bowl with toasted crostini along side, so your guests can serve themselves. The beauty is it is a make ahead appetizer.
Tomorrow is my last day of work for sixteen days. Can you tell that I am excited to take some time off by the exact number of days, not just two weeks. I love taking time off during this time of year and have many fun things already planned. There will be a lot of entertaining going on and I promise to share with all of you. Happy Holidays!!
Walnut and Pinenut Pesto Crostini
¾ C. walnuts, shelled
¼ C. Pine nuts
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese
1 small garlic clove, peeled and crushed
4 sprigs of thyme, just leaves
Sea Salt
½ t. sherry vinegar
1/3 C. extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons minced sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
1 Baguette, sliced
Extra: 24 walnut halves – decorate the top of each crostini
In food processor, coarsely grind walnuts, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme leaves, salt and vinegar. Then add in oil and tomatoes.
Cut baguette into half inch slices. Brush each side with olive oil and toast bread. Top each slice with a heaping teaspoon of pesto. Top each one with a half of walnut.
(Adapted from Jody Williams at Gottino in New York and Smitten Kitchen)
The holidays are filled with a lot of cocktail parties and other gatherings. If you are like me, abundant finger foods is the best way to eat during the holidays. Many nibbles, tastes, textures and flavors make me happy. This appetizer is a tried and true hit at every party I have thrown. You can either serve them on a platter all prepared or simply serve the pesto in a decorative bowl with toasted crostini along side, so your guests can serve themselves. The beauty is it is a make ahead appetizer.
Tomorrow is my last day of work for sixteen days. Can you tell that I am excited to take some time off by the exact number of days, not just two weeks. I love taking time off during this time of year and have many fun things already planned. There will be a lot of entertaining going on and I promise to share with all of you. Happy Holidays!!
Walnut and Pinenut Pesto Crostini
¾ C. walnuts, shelled
¼ C. Pine nuts
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese
1 small garlic clove, peeled and crushed
4 sprigs of thyme, just leaves
Sea Salt
½ t. sherry vinegar
1/3 C. extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons minced sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
1 Baguette, sliced
Extra: 24 walnut halves – decorate the top of each crostini
In food processor, coarsely grind walnuts, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme leaves, salt and vinegar. Then add in oil and tomatoes.
Cut baguette into half inch slices. Brush each side with olive oil and toast bread. Top each slice with a heaping teaspoon of pesto. Top each one with a half of walnut.
(Adapted from Jody Williams at Gottino in New York and Smitten Kitchen)
Appetizers are always fun. ;) What a great pesto. The flavor combination looks quick yummy.
ReplyDeleteI'm so with you - appetizers make me happy too. I love little finger foods that you can just pick at. Hence, french fries and nachos are two of my favorite foods! These crostinis look delicious and elegant - I would love them.
ReplyDeleteI think this appetizer recipe is a keeper, thanks for sharing and enjoy your time off:-)
ReplyDeleteAppetizers make me happy too! I love the use of sundried tomatoes in this pesto recipe. Happy Holidays :)
ReplyDeleteI love appetizers too - I always seem to enjoy them the most whenever I go out to eat!
ReplyDeleteFantastic pesto recipe...as I do not eat meat, I am always big on appetizers especially during the Holidays :) These look delicious!
ReplyDeleteI love that your appetizers are so sophisticated and yet, so simple. I would've been content with some pita chips and hummus but this definitely brings it up a notch :) Happy holidays, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredibly delicious pesto recipe?! I love the pairing of walnuts and pinenuts together. I would have never of thought of that. And the addition of sun dried tomatoes sounds amazing! Your crostini is just gorgeous too! :)
ReplyDeleteLisa, if you lived just a few miles closer I'd constantly be looking for reasons to invite myself over for crostini and wine. I agree with Azmina that your appetizers are always so sophisticated yet easy to make.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for such a nice evening. I can attest that your dishes are truly delicious! Merry Christmas and enjoy your time off! :-)