CRABMEAT CROSTINI WITH CHIVES AND CRèME FRAîCHE

Crabmeat Crostini with Chives and Crème Fraîche image

Yield Makes about 30

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound fresh lump crabmeat
1/4 cup minced celery heart (including leaves)
2 green onions, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons créme fraîche or sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
8 drops hot pepper sauce
1 (2 1/2-inch-diameter) baguette, cut into scant 1/2-inch slices
Olive oil
1 cup shredded dry Jack cheese or Cheshire cheese (about 4 ounces)

Steps:

Shred crabmeat. Add celery, green onions, chives, and lemon peel; toss. Add next 5 ingredients. Season with salt. Cover; chill at least 2 hours. Do ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead; keep chilled.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange baguette slices in single layer on rimmed baking sheet. Brush both sides of bread with oil. Bake until lightly browned, turning once, about 16 minutes. Do ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool. Store crostini in resealable plastic bags at room temperature.
Preheat broiler. Arrange toasts on baking sheet. Spread 1 heaping tablespoon crabmeat mixture onto each; sprinkle with cheese. Broil until cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Serve warm.