| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 20g | 9g | 29g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 2g | 12g | 0.75g |
When it comes to bringing my family’s culinary traditions to your table, this Roasted Grape and Camembert Crostini recipe holds a cherished place in my heart. It’s an exquisite blend of tantalizing flavors and aromatic ingredients that marry the elegance of France with the rustic comfort of Italian peasant food.
Ruminating Over Roasted Grapes
As a grandson of Italian immigrants, my recipes are often guided by their wisdom and spirit. I remember my grandmother wrapping fresh grapes in fig leaves and roasting them in the dying embers of the fire – the inspiration for this Roasted Grape and Camembert Crostini. The magic lies in roasting the fruit, which elevates the grapes from a simple snack to a gourmet topping with an intensified sweetness and a burst of flavor. Dusted with a sprinkle of salt, it adds a tantalizing contrast to every bite.
Camembert: The Cheese of Choice
And then comes the Camembert. French at its core, this creamy, earthy cheese blends wonderfully with the sweetness of the roasted grapes, creating an unforgettable palatal melody. The addition of honey enriches this amalgamation of flavors, creating a sumptuous appetizer, and proving once again that sweet and savory belong together.
Apart from its decadent taste, our Roasted Grape and Camembert Crostini recipe packs numerous health benefits. Grapes, for instance, are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins that promote heart health. Olive oil, a staple in Mediterranean diet, supports healthy digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Camembert cheese, meanwhile, provides a good dose of high-quality protein.
A Dish for All Occasions
This dish, with its vibrant flavors and enticing aroma, makes a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Its elegance can impress at a sophisticated soirée, yet it is simple enough to enjoy during a casual family gathering. It is akin to other Italian starters like Bruschetta and is a delicious accompaniment to staple main courses like Spaghetti Aglio e Olio or a hearty Lasagna.
So give this Roasted Grape and Camembert Crostini recipe a go. Just remember – I believe the best ingredients are not necessarily the most expensive, but the ones combined with love, patience and a willingness to create moments of joy around the dining table. Buon appetito!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of seedless red grapes
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 12 slices of baguette
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 8 ounces of Camembert cheese
- 1/2 cup of honey for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped rosemary
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While waiting for the oven to warm up, combine the grapes, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Toss until the grapes are well-coated.
Step Two
Transfer the coated grapes onto a baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, until they are softened and slightly charred. Once done, remove them from the oven but keep the oven turned on.
Step Three
Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on another baking sheet and brush each slice with the minced garlic. Bake in the preheated oven until lightly toasted, for about 5-7 minutes.
Step Four
While the bread is still warm, cut the Camembert cheese into thin slices and place them onto the toasted baguette slices. Then, place the camembert-topped baguettes back into the oven until the cheese has slightly melted. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step Five
Remove the baguettes with melted Camembert from the oven and top each slice with the roasted grapes. Drizzle generously with honey and sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary on top. Serve immediately while warm.
