Honey Walnut Spread
Crostini Recipe - Appetizer Recipe

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I adapted this great appetizer recipe, originally by Chef Roxanne O'Brien of the Walnut Marketing Board, to share the wonderful flavors of honey and goat cheese. This recipe first appeared in a 2005 Walnut Marketing Board brochure titled, Sensational Walnut Recipes from Celebrated Market Chefs.

Goat cheese is available in various shapes and textures, and sometimes flavored with herbs or spices. For this recipe, you want an unflavored cheese, and what you use will depend on local availability and your preferences. The honey walnut spread makes a generous amount; serve the extra in a bowl, with crackers or additional sliced bread.

Honey Walnut Spread Recipe - How To Make Honey Walnut Spread

Recipe Type: Appetizer, Dips & Spreads, Bruschetta, Canapes & Crostini, Goat Cheese
Yields: 12 servings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min

Ingredients:

2 cups (8 ounces) walnuts
3/4 cup honey
3/4 cup (about 4 ounces) dried pears, cut in 1/4-inch dice
2 teaspoons herbes de Provence or mixed Italian herbs
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 tablespoons finely-grated orange zest
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon coarse or sea salt
12 slices baguette-type French bread, (16 ounces), cut diagonally, about 1/2-inch thick
4 ounces (1/2 cup) plain goat cheese

Preparation:

Preheat the broiler of your oven.

Coarsely chop 1 cup of the walnuts; chop the remaining cup of walnuts finely. Place all the nuts in a large bowl and add the honey, dried pears, herbes de Provence, coriander, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, and salt. Beat vigorously until completely mixed; set aside.

Slice baguette on the diagonal into about 12 slices; place on a baking sheet.

Cut the goat cheese into pieces; divide and place on top of the baguette slices. Using a knife, spread cheese uniformly on each baguette slice. Broil until cheese is just melted. (Broil about 4 inches from heat, just to warm the bread and soften the cheese - watch closely, this only takes a moment.)

Top each baguette slice with a spoonful of Honey Walnut Spread and serve immediately.

Makes 12 servings.