Needed an appetizer the other night, so I went through my usual routine of perusing the internet for some ideas & then concocted these Pear & Goat Cheese crostinis. They actually turned out to be really good. So much so we made them again the next night!
Chopped walnuts
1 large (& ripe) pear
3 tbs balsamic vinegar
1 tbs butter
Generous squeeze of honey
French bread
Olive oil
Salt
Prosciutto – about 2 oz as thin as you can get it
Goat cheese
First, I started by heating the walnuts in a frying pan for about 4-5 minutes. Then the balsamic vinegar, butter & honey in the se frying pan (take the walnuts out) & sliced my pears into thin strips. I’ll let the mixture reduce a bit so the flavor gets really intense.
While that was heating, I started the crostinis – French bread slices brushed with olive oil & a little bit of salt & toasted @ 350 degrees until slightly toasted. That crates a moisture barrier so they don’t get soggy… learned that the hard way.
While the crostinis we’re toasting, I sautéed the pear slices in the balsamic reduction until they were soft, but not falling apart.
Next I put a very thin slice of prosciutto on the crostini, top that with crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts and then a couple pear slices on top.
I’ve got a really sweet tooth, so I drizzled some more honey on mine, but everyone else liked them without the extra honey.