OK, this is going to be the easiest recipe I ever shared with you. But this may be one of the best recipes I ever shared with you. And why is that you might ask? Well, for several reasons. Not only is crostini easy to prepare and delicious, it’s crunchy. And who doesn’t love crunchy! Crostini (meaning “little crusts” in Italian; singular crostino (but who could ever eat just one) are simply that much needed crunch so often missing in a meal of soup or stew and bread. And we all know how wonderful soup and stew are when served with a nice soft roll or baguette slices. But with crostini, you have the lovely bread, but also the delightful crunch.

So, what types of bread make the best crostini? Glad you asked. Rustic peasant bread, ciabatta, and different types of baguettes all work great. If you are into baking your own bread, I would recommend Chewy Sourdough Baguettes, Thin Sourdough Baguettes, Overnight Sourdough Baguettes, Soft French Baguettes, or Classic Italian Baguettes. All found on this site.

And then guess what else is great about crostini? You can top the little darlings with any old thing you want. For example – Kalamata Olive Spread, Creamy Feta Cheese Dip, Mushroom Pâté, Herbed Cream Cheese with Black Pepper Spread, and of course bruschetta. (See recipe below.) Or provide a variety of different toppings for family and friends to smear on crostini all by themselves. (Sounds like a party to me.)

Speaking of parties, I’ve had the pleasure of listening to the Whistle Lake Jazz Quartet rehearse in our living room. Furniture scattered to the four winds. Beer glasses everywhere, and happy, wonderful guys truly enjoying themselves making beautiful music. I feel like I’m in heaven. Just sitting in our den, writing up this recipe, it feels like magic happening all around me. There is simply nothing better than live music. And when it’s in your own living room – well, nothing compares. For pictures of the quartet practicing, see the bottom of the post.

So, as always, bring a little magic into your life. Be it listening to beautiful music, looking at fabulous art, reading good books, playing with your children, making someone else’s life a little bit better, or whatever feeds your soul. If it makes you smile, then it’s worth the effort.

Peace and love to all.

baguette

extra-virgin olive oil

flaky or fine sea salt, to taste

Pre-heat your oven to 450-degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. 

Slice the baguette on the diagonal into pieces no wider than ½-inch. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil.

Place the slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet and bake them on the middle rack for about 9 minutes, until they are crisp and nicely golden on top. Remove from oven and sprinkle lightly with salt. Serve immediately.

Bruschetta

crostini – just out of the oven

1 garlic clove

extra virgin olive oil

chopped fresh basil

chopped tomato

freshly ground black pepper

Scrape the warm crostini with a garlic clove. Drizzle on a bit of olive oil, then top with diced tomato, chopped fresh basil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve to only those who deserve the best.