For this recipe cycle, I chose a few sides and appetizers that I wouldn’t normally go for. I saw the recipes and I thought they’d be interesting to prepare, just to mix things up. Believe it or not, I’m already looking forward to next Thanksgiving and I think this and the next post will help out in that regard. Today’s has to do with crostinis and the next one has to do with some great looking pumpkin hummus. I’m curious about that one. I’ve never even heard of pumpkin hummus.
The Recipe
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare. The good majority of that time will be used softening and, sort of, melting the onions. If you’re an onion lover like I am, this appetizer will be to your liking.
The construction of these crostinis go like this: French bread makes up the base, then a mixture of cream cheese and goat cheese combined with thyme makes the spread. As for the onions, they’re softened and flavored in a skillet and infused with red wine, vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper. The result of all this is a really nice crostini that offers a flavorful bite that includes just enough salt to bring things over the top. This is a very good appetizer.
Ingredients
Makes: 24 Crostinis
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 Sweet Onions, Thinly Sliced
3/4 Cup Red Wine
1/4 Cup Water
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
2 Ounce Goat Cheese, Room Temperature
2 Ounces Cream Cheese, Room Temperature
2 Teaspoons Fresh Thyme, Divided
1 16 Ounce Loaf French Bread, Sliced 1 Inch Thick
Step-by-Step Instructions
In previous posts, I told you I’m on a roll with my new Favorite Brand Name Recipes book. This and the next recipe is and will be from this same cookbook. It’s called Holiday Recipes and I’ve been happy with everything I’ve prepared from it so far. I have my fingers crossed for when it comes to future ones. I simply love what I’ve already made.
Soften & Cook Onions
Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and the sliced onions to it and cook for about ten minutes while occasionally stirring.
After that, add in the wine, water, vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium high until the liquid begins to simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low and let everything cook for about 15 minutes. You want to cook just to the point of the liquid being completely gone. You don’t want to let things get too dry.
When this is done, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the onions to cool slightly.
Mix the Cheese
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, goat cheese and one teaspoon of fresh thyme. Mix these ingredients together well.
Assemble the Crostinis
Lightly toast the slices of French bread. Then, divide the cheese mixture between them by spreading it across each one. After that, divide the onions among the bread by placing some on top of each spread of cheese. Sprinkle the leftover thyme over all the crostinis. Serve and enjoy!
The Final Cheese & Onion Crostinis
I’d say this was a fairly straightforward recipe. It sure makes some nice crostinis that you and your holiday guests will enjoy. I think I’m going to add these to my next Thanksgiving menu after all. If you do decide to try these, please let me know your thoughts down in the comment section below. Thanks for reading!
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