Pear and Apple Crostini Appetizers

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Strap yourself in for the roller coaster of flavors that is toasty cheese, layers of fruit, and pungent jams. These crostini are a simple, elegant festive appetizer for any holiday or party or for any day when you just feel like snacking. They're so good, you'll want to face plant into them.

All you need is a baguette, two fruits, two cheeses, two jams, and a baking sheet. This appetizer serves up sweet and savory, and takes very little time to whip together.

Inspired by one of my kid's favorite afterschool snacks — apples and cheese — these simple, yet elegant crostini appetizers are so easy to make, my children can prep them (under my hovering eagle eye).

The apple crostini starts with thin slices of gouda cheese. Apples, which are a natural pairing with most cheese and play particularly well with the nutty, almost sweet gouda, goes on next. Then I dollop a little fig preserve to round out the flavors. Figs have a deep, rich flavor and thick texture that pairs well with most cheeses, too. I always serve extra fig preserves on the side — it's a crowd favorite! Try these alongside a full-bodied West Coast chardonnay for the ultimate creamy, buttery experience.

The pear crostini are an homage to Harry & David's delicious pears. Sharp cheddar cheese, pears, and (surprise) jalapeño pepper jelly are an orbital combination that will have everyone at the party completely freaking out. I always finish my crostini with a sprinkling of fresh herbs like mint or basil for a pop of freshness and color. Try these alongside an Oregon pinot noir, a natural pairing with pears.

The best part about these crostini is that all the components can be assembled in advance, making them a cinch to make before guests arrive. The sliced pears and apples can get sliced and tossed with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning, then covered and stored in the fridge until party time. When it's go-time, whip out your baking sheet and top the baguette slices with the cheese and fruit. Throw them in the oven, pop open a bottle of wine (or bubbly), and let the celebration begin!

Pear and Apple Crostini

PREP TIME: 10 minutesCOOK TIME: 20 minutesTOTAL TIME: 30 minutes

SERVINGS

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Ingredients

• 1 baguette (cut into 6 thin slices)
• 1-2 Harry & David® Royal Riviera® Pears (thinly sliced)
• Harry & David® Aged Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese (cut into thin slices)
• 3 tablespoons Harry & David jalapeño pepper jelly
• fresh mint leaves (or fresh herb of choice for garnish)
For the Apple Crostini
• 1 baguette (cut into 6 thin slices)
• 1-2 Harry & David® Premium Apples (thinly sliced)
• Harry & David® Gouda Cheese (cut into thin slices)
• 3 tablespoons Harry & David fig preserves
• fresh basil leaves (or fresh herb of choice for garnish)

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350° F.
2
For the pear crostini, layer 3 cheddar slices, side by side on each of the 6 baguette slices.
3
For the apple crostini, layer 3 gouda slices, side by side on each of the 6 baguette slices.
4
Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5
For the pear crostini, top the cheddar with 3 thin pear slices, then dollop each crostini with the jalapeño pepper jelly. Garnish with mint.
6
For the apple crostini, top the 3 gouda crostini with three thin slices of apple, followed by a dollop of the fig preserves. Garnish with basil. Serve immediately.