A Recipe for You: Jeanie Crostini

Our Mistletoe Market was a great success, for both me and the other six vendors. I think we all came home energized, tired, and with new friendships, and you can't beat that! 

When I got home, I realized I had a baguette that needed to be used -- and soon -- so I made Jeanie Crostini. I haven't posted this recipe since the very first week I started this blog in 2007! In my first few blog posts, I was clutching at straws for content! This recipe is a family favorite, a go-to take away for a party or even wrapped as a party favor.

I've refined it since then and simplified it too! Best of all, it's quick and easy and apart from a baguette, you may have all the spices at hand. It may be one of the easiest, least expensive and popular appetizers you can whip up!

Jeanie Crostini

Slice a baguette into thin slices on the diagonal and line-up closely together on a parchment or foil-covered baking sheet. (Use parchment only to keep it neater for clean-up!) A day-or-two-old bread is best for this; the other works, but I don't like the texture as well.

 

Drizzle olive oil over the slices and spread with the back of a teaspoon to be sure they are covered but not "soaked."

Sprinkle your favorite herbs on top. I tend to use thyme, basil and oregano but I have liked herbs de Provence equally well. If you're into garlic, garlic or garlic powder is fine; red pepper flakes if you like it kicky. Trader Joe's "Everything but the Bagel" seasoning is good too! Your call.

Top with a shredded or grated parmesan. 

Bake 350 till toasty and brown -- about 20-25 minutes. (This will depend on how thin you slice your baguette).

Serve with a tapenade or spread. They're pretty darned good plain, too!

 

NOTES: I originally baked this at 300 for 15-18 minutes. I like the higher temp and timing better, but feel free to experiment.

In the first recipe, I mixed together the olive oil and herbs and brushed them on. That's really not necessary and messier, but can be done.

While I usually recommend using wonderful breads and cheeses, in this case, go with an inexpensive grocery store baguette (vs. the artisan or home baked) and grocery store parmesan. This isn't the kind of dish where your best foodie friends are picking apart the ingredients! And if they are, are they really  your friends?

 

I've packaged this up as party favors, too, with a recipe for a favorite topping. They're a wonderful take-home treat... if they make it that far! 

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In another day or two, I'll have some of my items from Mistletoe Market posted here, in case you are looking for stocking stuffers, gifts or a present for yourself!

I'll have felties, cards and watercolors! Watch this space!

Sharing with:  All About Home   /   Tuesday Turn About   /   Share Your Style   /   Pink Saturday   /   Love Your Creativity