She Strengthens

Savoring the Flavors of Spain: A Delicious Crostini Recipe

When it comes to hosting a memorable cocktail party, the key to success lies in serving dishes that are both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. One such recipe that fits the bill perfectly is these delectable Spanish-inspired crostini appetizers.

The Perfect Combination of Flavors

To create these mouthwatering bites, all you need is toasted baguette slices, crispy serrano ham, thinly sliced Manchego cheese, and a drizzle of refreshing mint oil. The star of the show, however, is the quince paste, also known as membrillo, which adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.

Finding the Right Ingredients

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to visit gourmet groceries and Latin markets to find membrillo, serrano ham, and Manchego cheese. If you can’t find serrano ham, feel free to substitute it with prosciutto. You can also purchase these Spanish products online for added convenience.

Game Plan: Preparing Ahead of Time

To make the most of your time, prepare the mint oil and toast the baguette slices a day in advance. Store the baguette slices in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

The Recipe

Yield: About 30 crostini
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 bunch fresh mint, leaves only
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces thinly sliced serrano ham, prosciutto, or other salt-cured, unsmoked ham
• 1/2 cup membrillo paste, also known as quince paste
• 1 sourdough baguette, cut on the bias into 1/2-inch slices and toasted until golden brown
• 4 ounces aged Manchego cheese, shaved into bite-size pieces with a vegetable peeler

Preparing the Mint Oil

Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil, then blanch the mint leaves for 10 seconds. Immediately submerge them in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Pat the mint dry and blend it with olive oil until smooth. Let the mixture steep for at least 2 hours before straining it into an airtight container.

Assembling the Crostini

Heat the oven to 400°F and bake the serrano ham until crispy and golden brown. Let it cool before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces. To assemble the crostini, spread a heaping teaspoon of membrillo on each toasted baguette slice, then top with a few crumbles of ham, a shaving of cheese, and a drizzle of mint oil.

Beverage Pairing

The perfect wine to pair with this dish is the Bodegas Martín Códax Albariño from Spain. This crisp, lemony wine will beautifully counterbalance the rich flavors of the crostini.