Indulge In {Crostinis}

I've always been a big fan of crostinis. I mean what's not to love? A slightly toasted bread round topped with any topping your heart could desire. From savory to sweet, the possibilities are endless. Most people commonly top a crostini with some sort of bruschetta, and while I do love that option there are so many more. Before I get to my favorite toppings, let's talk for a minute about why crostinis are so great. Not only are they versatile and simple, they can serve as a meal in and of themselves making them perfect for parties where no one really wants to use a fork or knife. When topped with various proteins, vegetables and cheeses you are essentially creating a single bite gourmet sandwich. Because of their simplicity, it's easy enough to make toppings to satisfy everyone's tastes too.

I served up my favorite combinations this weekend for a football gathering at the house and am sharing them with you today. While these toppings represent my tastes, feel free to adjust them in any way to fit yours. Have a tasty Thursday!

:: Crostini Ingredients & Directions ::
1 Baguette Sliced into Rounds
Olive Oil

1. Lay baguette slices onto baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until slightly toasted but still still soft on the inside.

:: Bruschetta Ingredients & Directions ::
1 Tomato from the Vine, diced
1 Clove Garlic, minced
3 Large Basil Leaves, sliced in ribbons
3 Tablespoons Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Drizzle Olive Oil
Drizzle Balsamic Vinegar

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Toss to combine and serve atop crostini.

:: Roast Beef Arugula Feta Ingredients & Directions ::
Deli Roast Beef, sliced thin
1 Cup Arugula
1/2 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
Drizzle Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Feta Cheese
Salt & Pepper to Taste

1. Combine arugula, lemon juice, olive oil, feta, salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. Top crostini with small piece of roast beef. Top with arugula mixture and serve.

:: Apple Brie Prosciutto Ingredients & Directions ::
1/4 Granny Smith Apple, sliced thin
Wedge of Brie, rind removed
Prosciutto, sliced thin

1. Top crostini with small piece of prosciutto. Add brie and apple slice and serve.

Indulge In {Kentucky Hot Browns}

I've posted a lot this week about my wedding from last weekend. I just can't help it. The whole day was full of sweet personal southern touches that really took the day to the next level including the menu. Both the bride and groom (and the majority of their families) are from Kentucky, so they wanted to include a little bit of home and a Kentucky favorite into their fare. Personally, I had never heard of a hot brown before, but let me tell you, I will never forget it. This Bluegrass State staple is going into my party appetizer rotation immediately. I may even make some for the FSU home opener this weekend. Not only are they delicious, they are simple to make only requiring 6 ingredients. Enjoy them hot or cold, by yourself or with a large crowd. Either way, you can't go wrong. Here's the recipe adapted from Southern Living....

:: Ingredients (Makes 6) ::
3 Sister Shubert Rolls
6 oz Sliced Turkey
3 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
6 Slices of Roma Tomatoes
3 Slices of Bacon
Mornay Sauce

:: Directions ::
1. Slice Sister Shubert Rolls in half placing face up on a lined baking sheet.
2. Place in over 6" from broiler and broil until slightly golden, 1-2 minutes.
3. Top roll with 1 oz sliced turkey, spoonful of Mornay sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of parmesan cheese and return to broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove from oven top with 1 slice of Roma tomato and 1/2 slice of bacon. Serve and enjoy!

*Image courtesy of Southern Living