Party Crostini Bites

Any type of thinly sliced bread such as French, multigrain, whole wheat, mini naan or party rye can be used as a crostini base. The bread can be used as is. Or if you like it more crispy and toasted place on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 8 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned and beginning to crisp. Bread can be toasted ahead of time.

Cuban: In a medium bowl combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard. Add 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, 1/2 cup finely chopped ham, and 2 Tbsp. chopped dill pickles. Spread on French bread. Broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese has melted and begins to brown.

Layered Chutney: Spread mini naan breads with soft cream cheese. Top with chopped mango and raisins. Drizzle with mango chutney. Garnish with fresh cilantro, toasted coconut, and chopped cashews.

Winter Salsa: In a medium bowl combine 1 chopped fresh pear, 1 chopped orange, 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper, 2 Tbsp. chopped red onion, 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup, 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar, and 1 tsp. Jamaican jerk seasoning. Mix well. Can be made ahead. Serve on mini naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Creamy Tomato Feta: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a 2-quart baking dish place 1 10-ounce container cherry or grape tomatoes, 4-ounce chunk feta cheese (not crumbles), and 3 quartered garlic cloves. Drizzle with 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until tomatoes are very soft. Gently mash cheese and mix with tomatoes and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cool slightly. Spread on sliced French bread.

Shrimp Cocktail: Spread softened cream cheese on multigrain bread. Top with cocktail sauce and a large whole cooked shrimp. Sprinkle with chives.

Blackberry Goat Cheese: Spread whole wheat bread with goat cheese. Top with a dollop of blackberry jam. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

Jammy Bacon Swiss: Preheat oven to 375°. In a medium bowl combine 8 ounces shredded Swiss cheese, 6 slices cooked bacon that are crumbled, 1/2 cup apricot jam, and 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard. Spread on whole wheat bread. Top with 2 tablespoons chopped smoked almonds. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or cheese has melted.

Pimiento Cheese: Top party rye bread with pimiento cheese. Top with a dollop of jalapeno jelly. Serve as is or bake at 375° for 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Hot Honey Apple: Preheat oven to 375F. Top whole grain bread with a thin slice of brie cheese and an apple slice. Place on a baking sheet. In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup honey and 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper. Drizzle hot honey over brie and apple. Bake crostini for 5 to 8 minutes or until cheese is soft.

Roasted Boozy Pears: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 2-quart square baking dish combine 2 cored and sliced pears, 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon. Roast pears 20 minutes or until just tender, stirring once. Spread cashew butter on multigrain bread. Top with Boozy Pears and finish with a sprinkle of black or aleppo pepper. Drizzle lightly with cooking liquid.