Ricotta and Roasted Grape Crostini

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Designer and blogger Athena Calderone’s signature aesthetic comes through in this striking appetizer. Roasting the grapes concentrates and deepens their sweetness. Slideshow:  More Appetizer Recipes 

Ricotta and Roasted Grape Crostini
Designer and blogger Athena Calderone’s signature aesthetic comes through in this striking appetizer. Roasting the grapes concentrates and deepens their sweetness. Photo: © Fredrika Stjärne
Total Time:
30 mins
Yield:
12 crostini
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound seedless mixed green and black grapes, stems discarded

  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar

  • 2 rosemary sprigs, plus chopped fresh rosemary for garnish

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • Flaky sea salt

  • Pepper

  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts

  • Twelve 1/2-inch-thick baguette slices

  • 3/4 cup fresh ricotta cheese

  • Honey

  • Finely grated lemon zest, for serving

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°. On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, toss the grapes with the vinegar, rosemary sprigs and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grapes are softened and the skins start to pop.

  2. Meanwhile, spread the pine nuts in a pie plate and roast in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden. Brush the baguette slices with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange on a baking sheet and toast for about 8 minutes, until golden and crisp.

  3. To assemble the crostini, dollop 1 tablespoon of the ricotta onto each toast. Spoon the warm grapes on top and sprinkle with the pine nuts. Arrange on a platter and top with a drizzle of honey and some lemon zest. Sprinkle the crostini with salt and garnish with chopped rosemary.

Suggested Pairing

Fresh, fruit-forward Champagne.

Originally appeared: December 2014

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