Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Canapés | Friday Night Bites

Well HELLO almost summer - oh how I have missed you!  My birthday was last Sunday and we swung out for this years birthday gift - a new wicker patio set from Living Spaces.  It is part of the the Adventura collection.  We got the 4 piece sectional, 2 lounge chairs, the cocktail table with 2 ottomans and 2 end tables.  I feel like we have a true outdoor living room set.  Since it was simply understated, it needed a POP of color, so I headed to Homegoods and got some fun pillows and decorative items for the tables.  Oh and an outdoor rug from Cost Plus World Market.

We had folks over for wine and appetizers and enjoyed the new set - it was so relaxing sitting outside and everyone enjoyed themselves, even Marty and Stewart - our darling Havanese puppies.  Okay, they just turned 3 years old, but they will always be puppies to me.

If you are looking for a simple, elegant and crowd pleasing appetizer, this one is for YOU!  You can make this pesto a day or two ahead and simply refrigerate. They are little bites of flavor and crunch - perfectly satisfying.  I would suggest serving with a crisp white wine such as a Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc or dry riesling. 

Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Canapés

¾ C. walnuts, shelled
¼ C. Pine nuts
1/3 C. grated Parmesan cheese
1 small garlic clove, peeled and crushed
4 sprigs of thyme, just leaves
Sea Salt
½ t. sherry vinegar 
1/4 C. extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons minced sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
20 One inch toasted rounds of white bread

In food processor, coarsely grind walnuts, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme leaves, salt and vinegar. Then add in oil and tomatoes.

Cut out 20 one inch rounds from sliced white bread, preferably one with some substance versus traditional light weight white bread. Brush each side with olive oil and toast bread. Top each slice with a heaping teaspoon of pesto. Garnish with a small slice of parmesan and a thyme sprig.