My mom Dina's side of the family is traditional Italian and from Garfield, New Jersey; there were 6 siblings and every sibling is responsible for one major holiday and that was always Christmas Eve. When I was large enough to be of any use in the kitchen, I was appointed an appetizer.
Of all the array of appetizers, one became my specialty during Christmas Eve preparation. I remember creating a personal assembly line: drizzling sweet apricot preserves on them; using a tablespoon to put goat cheese on it; and finally placing thin strips of basil on crackers shaped like bruschetta.
My creation, the crostinis were created my mom, remain a timeless classic on Christmas Eve. Each year my mother makes crabcakes, Coquilles St. Jacques, and puts a large tray of penne alla vodka on the table, and I put the goat cheese crostinis together.
I soon found that they were delicious, which I could tell by the fact that for every ten that I poured I took one myself. Now, I enjoy them with a glass of red wine or holiday cocktail, but then it was in between taking spurts of sparkling apple cider. It stays out where everyone can see it, and guests can just reach over and grab one mid-conversation which is a beautiful thing.
Want to make yourself some tasty 3-Ingredient Goat Cheese Crostini?
For this delicious and easy holiday appetizer you only need bruschetta style crackers, apricot jam, goat cheese, and, if desired, fresh basil leaves. To assemble them, take a knife and spread apricot preserves on all of your crackers.
With a knife or spoon which I sometimes thought appropriate, spread a round scoop of goat cheese on top of the preserves. If you're using basil, you have to chop or tear it into small pieces and gently press one piece into each dollop of goat cheese. Voila, you're done!
Although what you don't want to do is prepare these too early in advance as they will become too soft, they can be set up to half an hour before serving.
Ingredient Tips
Most crostinis can be made from toasting fresh Italian bread, but I have taken the liberty of using urban thick crackers to ensure it's bite sized and time efficient. Some of my favorite are the Bruschettini Crackers by Asturi and you can but them at the Target store. It's normally possible to access very good bruschetta-style crackers by the deli section in most supermarkets.
Acidulated apricot preserves (something that is thicker and chunkier than standard jam) are sweet-tart. If apricot preserves are not within your reach, fig preserves will definitely do in a pinch—something about the floral, honey-like sweetness to cut through the sharpness of the goat cheese.
For this recipe you can use any soft goat cheese, also known as chevre. If you do not want the use of dairy, you can try the recipe using a vegan goat cheese instead. There is also Violife's Just Like Feta, which I find has such a good flaky, tangy taste.
Lastly, I also have fresh basil to bring back the beautiful green color on the crostini and give it that final herbaceous touch. Here, it's replaced with what you have or fresh mint or thyme would be delicious here too. For a little bit of extra spice you can add balsamic glaze or hot honey at the end.
