The holidays are again quickly approaching which means it’s time for another round of meal planning! For Christmas I like to go a little more non-traditional (last year I made myself barbacoa), but this year something is just screaming Christmas traditions! I know cranberries are often found on the Thanksgiving table in the form of a sauce shaped as a can that no one touches, but this year, for Christmas, we are doing things a little differently starting with these Cranberry Orange Blue Cheese Crostini.
I love the cranberry orange flavor combo so when I started thinking of new crostini ideas (because who doesn’t love crostini), I knew this had two be included. For cheese a went a little daring, but if you’re not into such a pungent cheese you could sub out brie and it would be fantastic. I sweetened things up a bit with some honey, then had the after thought that candied pecans would have been perfect, and the result was fantastic. These were so easy and yummy, you could make the simple chutney a couple of days in advance then you would have to do almost no work the day of to prep these. What are you looking most forward to on your Christmas table?
Cranberry Orange Blue Cheese Crostini {Gluten Free Option}
A simple yet elegant appetizer to impress your favorite guests
Ingredients
- 1-2 baguette(s), cut into 1/2 inch slices (I used gluten free Udi’s)
- 3 cups cranberries, fresh (can sub frozen)
- Zest and juice from 2 medium oranges
- 1/2 cup sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 8 oz blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted or candied
- Honey, to serve
Instructions
- Start by making the cranberry orange chutney. To do so place cranberries, orange zest and juice and sugar into medium pan over medium heat. As cranberries start to soften gently smash them with a potato masher or fork until only small chunks remain. Allow mixture to cook until thickened to a jelly type texture (~15 minutes total) then remove from heat. Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to make crostini.
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Place baguette slices on large, ungreased cookie sheet then top each slice with about a tablespoon of blue cheese crumbles then about a tablespoon of cranberry mixture.
- Place prepared crostini in preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes or until just starting to melt.
- Remove crostini from oven, sprinkle with pecans then drizzle with honey if desired. Serve immediately.
Source: See Brooke Cook Original
