GOAT CHEESE AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO CROSTINI

Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini image

Provided by Next Iron Chef All Star: Beau MacMillan

Time 35m

Yield 30 to 40 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

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1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes in oil
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup packed basil leaves, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
3 garlic cloves, smashed, plus 2 whole cloves
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds goat cheese, at room temperature
2 baguettes, sliced on the bias

Steps:

Preheat the broiler.
In the bowl of a food processor combine the sun-dried tomatoes, sunflower seeds, basil leaves, Parmesan, 3 smashed garlic cloves, and lemon juice. Add half of the olive oil and puree until smooth. If the mixture seems too thick add more olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove it from the food processor, pour it into a bowl and refrigerate if not using immediately.
Put the baguette slices onto a baking sheet in 1 layer and toast them on both sides under the broiler until golden brown. Remove them from the broiler and rub each slice with the whole garlic cloves.
Spread the toasts with the softened goat cheese, top each with a teaspoonful of sun-dried tomato pesto, and garnish with the remaining basil that has been cut into chiffonade. Arrange on serving platters and serve.