CRANBERRY-FIG GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI

Cranberry-Fig Goat Cheese Crostini image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 18

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 chopped 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 zest
Dash freshly ground pepper
Minced fresh mint

Steps:

In a small saucepan, combine vinegar and honey. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 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 goat cheese, lemon zest and pepper until blended., To serve, spread goat cheese mixture over toasts. Stir cranberry mixture; spoon over goat cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with mint.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 109 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 135mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.