This 3-Ingredient Appetizer Is My Italian Family’s Favorite

In my mom’s Italian family, each of the six siblings hosts a severe trip and our trip has always been Christmas Eve. As shortly as I was old enough to really be helpful throughout the kitchen, I was positioned on appetizer obligation.

Among the many many array of appetizers, one grew to change into my specialty all through Christmas Eve preparations. I keep in mind creating a personal assembly line: spreading sweet apricot preserves, dolloping tangy goat cheese, and delicately placing strips of basil onto bite-sized bruschetta crackers.

The simple however elegant crostinis, designed by my mom and executed by moi, have remained a staple on Christmas Eve. Yearly, whereas my mom prepares crabcakes, Coquilles St. Jacques, and an infinite tray of penne alla vodka, I assemble the goat cheese crostinis.

I quickly discovered that they’d been delicious, popping one in my mouth for every ten I made. Proper this second, I savor them with a glass of pink wine or a trip cocktail, nonetheless once more then it was in between sips of glowing apple cider. Firm can merely attain over and seize one mid-conversation, which is an outstanding issue.

How To Make 3-Ingredient Goat Cheese Crostini

All it’s advisable make this festive appetizer is bruschetta-style crackers, apricot preserves, goat cheese, and (elective) current basil. To assemble them, use a knife to unfold apricot preserves onto your entire crackers.

Using a knife or spoon (which I often found easier), place a dollop of goat cheese on excessive of the preserves. Within the occasion you’re using basil, chop or tear it into small gadgets and gently press one piece into each dollop of goat cheese. Voila, you’re achieved!

If you don’t want to put collectively these too far upfront because of they are going to get soggy, you presumably can assemble them as a lot as half-hour sooner than serving.

Ingredient Options

Whereas many crostinis start by toasting current Italian bread, I would like using thick crackers to keep away from losing time and keep it actually bite-size. My favorite are the Bruschettini Crackers by Asturi, which you’ll uncover at Objective. There are generally good bruschetta-style crackers near the deli a part of any grocery retailer.

Apricot preserves (thicker and chunkier than jam) current the proper stability of sweet and tart. If apricot preserves aren’t accessible, fig preserves make a wonderful substitute—the pure, honey-like sweetness compliments the pungent goat cheese.

Any spreadable goat cheese (or chevre) works successfully for this recipe. Within the occasion you’d want to make the recipe dairy-free, you presumably can substitute a vegan goat cheese numerous. I even like using Violife’s Merely Like Feta, which has an superior tangy style.

For the last word step, I actually like topping the crostini with current basil for a pop of shade and earthy part. Latest mint or thyme could be delicious proper right here too. Within the occasion you’re seeking an extra aptitude, you presumably can add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or scorching honey.