I am all about hosting a quality cocktail hour and I believe that cocktail party success has a formula- good quality beverages, music in the background, fresh decor (even a simple arrangement of flowers), delicious nibbles with at least one or two unique and/or hot hors d'oeuvres.
As you well know, the cheese board has become a staple for my cocktail parties. It is delicious, has variety of edible options and easy to assemble. In addition to the cheeseboard, I always like to have at least one or two other special hors d'oeuvres options. This latest creation, Grilled Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini, was inspired from the ingredients I typically like to serve on a cheese board and it is the perfect small bite to serve at your next cocktail party. So easy, full of flavor and dare I say somewhat healthy to boot! A definite crowd pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 French Baguette
- Goat Cheese Spread (Plain)
- Fresh Thyme
- Black Mission Figs Sliced Vertically in Half
- Honey
- Balsamic Glaze
- Grapeseed Oil
- 2 Tbs Canola Oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit
Slice Baguette into 1/4 in thick slices on the diagonal
Assemble on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
Brush the tops of the baguette slices with grape seed oil
Sprinkle slices with salt and fresh cracked pepper
Bake in the oven until golden brown (between 15 and 20min)
Meanwhile - Heat 2tbs of Canola Oil in a skillet or grill pan on Med/High Heat
Once the pan is hot, add Figs face down
Cook for approx. 5 minutes (or until you start to see the fig start to caramelize)
Flip Figs and cook for an additional 5mins then remove from heat
When baguette slices are done cooking, allow to cool for approx. 5-10min
Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on each toasted baguette slice
Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves
Then add a grilled fig to each crostini
Drizzle with either balsamic glaze, honey or both!
Serve and enjoy