Apple-tizers (Apple Brie Prosciutto Crostini)

Invented as an appetizer for a recent cards and food night with John and Polly, we deem these small bites a success. When preparing the Crostini, we weren’t sure whether green or red apples would be better, and even after eating, the jury is still out. While the green apple’s tartness provided a nice bite and flavor contrast to the other ingredients, the red apple’s sweetness was mellow, which allowed the Brie cheese to come through more fully. We’d recommend making some of each to capitalize on each of these strengths and to set the holiday mood with traditional Christmas colors.(As it turns our, we took our own advice and brought along round 2 to Holly's Christmas dinner)

Ingredients:

·         Ciabatta (or other form of good-quality, white crusty bread; we used Costco Torta buns)

·         Dijon mustard

·         Brie cheese

·         apples, thinly sliced and cut into Crescent moon shapes

·         Proscuitto, cut into ribbony-slivers

Directions:

1.    Slice bread on the diagonal to create oblong slices. Lightly spray both sides with nonstick cooking spray.

2.    Toast bread (flipping halfway through) until just golden. Don’t go too crazy because the bread will be returning to the oven once topped with apples and other ingredients. (This step can be done in advance; set bread aside until ready to assemble and serve).

3.    Spread a generous dollop of Dijon onto each bread slice.

4.    Layer on Brie, then apple, and finally Proscuitto.

5.    Place on a baking sheet and toast at 375 until the cheese starts to melt, the apples are softened and the Prosciutto is slightly crispy. This should take about 5-8 minutes, depending on your oven.