Pear + Goat Cheese Crostini

While preparing for our Pink Party, we were on the hunt some wonderful fall flavors that pair perfectly with Chardonnay. One of my favorite salads came to mind and in an effort to make the dish party ready (and easy to eat while holding a glass of wine!) we turned it into a crostini.  We were thrilled with the results and every last bite was quickly consumed. 🙂

Prep: 20 minutes

Serves: 10-15

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 5 oz. arugula
• 3 oz. Goat Cheese
• 1 Pear (diced)
• 1/2 cup Glazed Walnut Pieces (I used Fresh Gourmet brand – available in the salad or crouton aisle)

Ingredients for Dressing

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• Salt
• Fresh Ground Pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  While oven is preheating, slice bread into ~1/4″ slices.



2. Combine olive oil and minced garlic.  Brush mixture onto bread slices.  Place bread on baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes on lower rack or until bread has started to toast.
3. While the bread is in the oven, combine all ingredients for dressing until thoroughly mixed. I like to put everything in a mason jar and shake it up to get an even consistency. This also makes it easy to save leftovers 🙂





4. Remove toasts from oven.  When they have cooled enough to handle, spread each toast with goat cheese.  Return to oven for 2-3 minutes or until goat cheese has softened.
5. Remove toasts and transfer to serving platter.  Garnish each toast with a few sprigs of arugula, diced pear and walnuts. Drizzle dressing over top and serve with a glass of ONEHOPE Chardonnay – YUM!