24-36red seedless grapesenough for about 2-3 for each slice of baguette
1tablespoonbalsamic vinegar
2sprigsfresh rosemary
sea salt to taste
Whipped Goat Cheese Spread
¼cupgoat cheese
¼cupcream cheese,regular or low-fat
½teaspoonlemon zest,finely grated
½teaspoonlemon juice,freshly squeezed
1teaspoonhoney
Garnish
¼cuphazelnuts,finely chopped and toasted
honey,to drizzle
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Slice the baguette into ½ inch slices. Brush lightly with extra-virgin olive oil. Bake at 375°F for 7 – 8 minutes, turning over halfway through until golden brown. The crostini should be slightly crispy on top but the inside should be tender. Remove from oven and let cool.
Toast hazelnuts in the oven, remove when lightly browned and fragrant (about 7 - 10 minutes) and chop finely.
Wash and dry the grapes and remove the stems.
In a small bowl, toss the grapes with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet and roast until they begin to burst, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, drizzle with balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with finely chopped rosemary and a pinch or two of salt.
In a mini food processor (or blender) make the whipped goat cheese: combine goat cheese, cream cheese, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon lemon juice and ½ teaspoon lemon zest. Process until blended.
Spread each baguette slice with whipped goat cheese, Sprinkle with a few chopped toasted hazelnuts. Top with two or three roasted grape halves, then drizzle with remaining honey and the remaining freshly chopped rosemary. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Use a gluten-free baguette to make the crostini if necessary.Make the components ahead of time, if you like.
You can toast the crostini a day or two before you plan to serve them. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
You can also make the whipped goat cheese spread a few days in advance. Cover and refrigerate.
Wash and dry the grapes and store them in the fridge.
Toast the hazelnuts in advance, too!
Then, when you're ready to serve, all you'll have to do is roast the grapes and assemble the crostini appetizers!