Three cheese crostini appetizer

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Ingredients

  • 150g quartered cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp thinly sliced shallots
  • 2 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 75g ricotta cheese
  • 25g crumbled blue cheese, loosely measured
  • 30g prepared basil pesto
  • 3/4 tsp salt, divided
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp grated lemon peel, loosely measured
  • 16 slices French or artisan type baguette, cut .5cm thick on the diagonal
  • 2 to 3 grinds black peppercorns (using handheld grinder)
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 25g finely shredded fresh Pecorino Romano cheese, loosely measured

Use imperial measurements

Method

How to make Three cheese crostini appetizer

1) Position an oven rack 12 to 15 cm from the grill element. Preheat the grill to high. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminium foil.

2) In a small bowl, gently toss the tomatoes, shallots, 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and vinegar together. Spread out the mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Set the baking sheet on a rack under the grill.

3) Grill until the tomatoes begin to show a few black spots, about 4 minutes with oven door closed. Turn the mixture, using a spatula, and broil 3 minutes longer with the oven door closed. Remove from the oven and transfer the mixture with a slotted spoon to a small bowl; set the bowl aside until needed. Retain the grill heat on high.

4) While the tomatoes are grilling, combine the ricotta, blue cheese, pesto, 1/2 teaspoon salt, lemon juice and lemon peel in a medium bowl.

5) Arrange the baguette slices on a large baking sheet and brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Put the baking sheet on the rack under the grill and grill until golden, about 1 minute or so per side, watching carefully. Remove from oven.

6) To assemble, season the tomato mixture with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and peppercorns, then stir in the basil. Spread some of the ricotta mixture over each crostini. Top with the tomato/onion mixture, then sprinkle with grated cheese, dividing all the ingredients equally among the slices.

Transfer to a serving plate and serve.

A viewer, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. The Food Network Kitchens chefs cannot make representation as to the results.

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