Cranberry-Fig Goat Cheese Crostini

Name: Cranberry-Fig Goat Cheese Crostini
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; CROSTINI:; 24 slices French bread baguette (1/2 inch thick); 3 tablespoons olive oil; CRANBERRY-FIG TOPPING:; 1/2 cup coarsely dried cranberries; 1/3 cup coarsely chopped dried figs; 1/3 cup coarsely chopped unblanched almonds; 1/3 cup coarsely chopped pitted Greek olives; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; CHEESE SPREAD:; 2 logs (4 ounces each) spreadable goat cheese; 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel; Dash freshly ground pepper; Minced fresh mint

The blend of flavors in the crostini make an absolutely scrumptious appetizer.—Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Ingredients

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
CROSTINI:
24 slices French bread baguette (1/2 inch thick)
3 tablespoons olive oil
CRANBERRY-FIG TOPPING:
1/2 cup coarsely dried cranberries
1/3 cup coarsely chopped dried figs
1/3 cup coarsely chopped unblanched almonds
1/3 cup coarsely chopped pitted Greek olives
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
CHEESE SPREAD:
2 logs (4 ounces each) spreadable goat cheese
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
Dash freshly ground pepper
Minced fresh mint

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine vinegar and honey. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until mixture is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Lightly brush both sides of baguette slices with oil; place on an ungreased baking sheet. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients; toss to coat. In another bowl, beat the goat cheese, lemon peel and pepper until blended.
To serve, spread goat cheese mixture over toasts. Stir cranberry mixture; spoon over tops. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with mint.