Let’s Talk About Crostini

Soothing the Soul

I’m sitting here brokenhearted as I start to write about crostini.  Our beloved nation is on its knees with civil unrest, coronavirus and economic depression.  And I’m writing about crostini! However, my dear tea loving friends and family know why I’m writing this.  The ritual of tea is a time-honored tradition that stops the world, if only for a while, and lets us take a gentle respite from all that clamors for our attention.  It is this restorative partaking that allows us to get up from the tea table with renewed spirit to do our part in healing our hurting nation.  Let us not forget that tea can certainly soothe our souls in times of need.

Now for the crostini

A decade ago, I had never heard of a crostini.  Now I won’t develop a tea menu unless I have one on the menu.

A crostini is a small slice of toasted bread topped with a spread or other food.  A crostini is the easiest way to add flair, creativity, and texture to a savory tea plate.  Add some toppings to this simple toast and you have a delicious open-faced bite.

I use a whole baguette I get from any supermarket.  I cut it (using an electric knife) into ½ inch slices, cutting on an angle.  You can even buy a bag of toasted baguette slices now.  I have used these when I have a time crunch.  After slicing, I brush olive oil on both sides of the sliced bread.  Add pepper and salt to the olive oil if desired.  Then I toast the crostini slices on 350⁰ for about 7-8 minutes (varies—be watchful) until golden.  After, you can rub a garlic clove to the top and bottom of the slices.  Or just leave as is.

Next is the fun part!  You can top it with almost anything.  Usually there is a goat cheese, cream cheese, or combination of soft cheeses that goes on first.  I love goat cheese, so I usually just spread on plain goat cheese on top of the crostini.  Then start adding another layer of flavor.  Your imagination is your cookbook here.  I use fig jam a lot on my crostini.  I have also experimented with many other toppings.  After you are finished with your layers, garnish with an herb sprig…mint, oregano, sage.  You can even top your cheese layer with slices of fruit such as strawberries.

Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini

Toast crostini.  Spread on goat cheese and then thin slices of strawberries.  Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.  Add mint springs.  Enjoy!

Roasted Butternut Crostini

I buy the precut butternut squash cubes.  So much easier.  Toss butternut cubes with olive oil, salt & pepper.  Bake in 450⁰ oven for 15 minutes, stirring once, until beginning to caramelize.  This can be done the day before.  Toast crostini slices.  When cool, spread goat cheese on top.  Add a pinch of arugula leaves and then add roasted butternut cubes.  Squeeze a little bit of lemon juice over top before you serve.  Finish with ground pepper on top.

Fig Goat Cheese Crostini

So easy!  Toast crostini slices.  Spread goat cheese on top and add a dollop of fig jam.  You can add a garnish of crumbled fried sage or some kind of crumbled nuts on top.

Capture a tea moment today!

I suggest that we all take time this week for a “spot of tea”.  Get out your pretty tablecloth and a special teapot.  Brew yourself some of your favorite tea and serve it in your most cherished teacup.  Make yourself a crostini—let your creativity go and use what you have on hand.  Since the weather is nice and the mockingbirds are singing, take your tea outside.  Gather a few flowers and vines from your garden for your table.  Inhale, relax, and let yourself be soothed by the tea and nature.