Crostini

Crisp Crostini ready for accessorizing!

Crisp Crostini ready for accessorizing!

Thin, crisp little toasts are the perfect base for so many things!  Dips, appetizers, mini-open-faced sandwiches, with soup, crostini are easy and versatile. Slice and freeze leftover baguette for making crostini later. Here are the instructions for perfect crostini, every time.

Day old or stale Baguette, any type, cut into 1/4" thick slices (cutting on the bias, or at an angle, will create a wider crostini with more surface area, if a larger size is needed)

Olive oil spray (purchased or in a kitchen oil sprayer)

Kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 400-degrees.  Lay the bread slices out on a sheet pan (or 2 or3).  Spray lightly with the olive oil and sprinkle liberally with salt.  Flip all of the slices over and repeat on the other side.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.  Flip the bread over and continue to bake until light golden brown all over. (Time will vary depending on the type of bread, and degree of freshness.)  Remove from the oven and cool on the sheet pans.  Store in an airtight container if not using immediately.

Spicy Tuscan Bean Dip with Crostini

Spicy Tuscan Bean Dip with Crostini

Spicy Tuscan Bean Dip with Crostini

A creamy pop of flavor is a great way to start the dinner hour!  This dip does not disappoint and is perfect served on crostini or crackers with a glass of wine, with a platter of crudités, or even spread on a tortilla or pita and stuffed with veggies for a quick wrap or sandwich.  You will want this in your refrigerator often as an appetizer, snack, or sandwich component!

4 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped

1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1-15ounce can cannelini beans, rinsed and well drained

1/2 teaspoon salt

Water, if needed, to thin

Crostini

Combine the garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and crushed red pepper in a saucepan or skillet.  Heat over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the garlic is translucent and rosemary is very soft.  Do not allow to boil as garlic will become bitter, keep below a simmer.

Place beans in a food processor and then add olive oil mixture.  Process until very smooth, with no large bits of rosemary.  Specks of pepper and rosemary will be visible, but there should not be any large pieces.

Season to taste with salt.

Serve with crostini.