Fresh Berry Crostini

 

With all of the lovely warm and sunny weather we have had recently all of the berries in our garden seem to be ripening at once.  I'm not complaining!  I just wish they lasted longer!  Our strawberries are pretty much finished now, but the blueberries and raspberries are just beginning, so we will have them to enjoy for a few weeks yet!!

  

This recipe today makes a beautiful use of all the ripe berries in the garden.  Fresh Berry Crostini.  Beautiful crisp toasts topped with creamy rich mascarpone cheese, and then sprinkled with fresh berries and some sweet honey!

  

The hardest part is toasting the bread, literally . . .  these are such a simple doddle to make!!!

 

They are delicious for breakfast if that's how you wish to serve them . . .  or for a brunch occasion.

 

Perhaps as a simple dessert for all of those Al Fresco happenings in your little corner of the world . . .

 

Or maybe you are having the gals over for  a tea party.  In that case I would do them on smaller toasted slices of baguette, two bite sized . . .  cute!

 

You needn't limit yourself to just these berries either.  Whatever ripe berries or fruit you have available to you will work beautifully. 

 

Use a fragrant flavourful honey, and don't be afraid to drizzle it on generously and pass the napkins.

 

You can vary the cheese as well if you like.  Use cream cheese, or mix a couple of creamy cheeses together.  These really are adaptable to a variety of flavours.

 

They are so pretty and jewel-like everyone will be ooh-ing and ahh-ing when they see them.  Fresh, light and delicious. What more could you ask for!

 

*Fresh Berry Crostini*

Serves 4 - 6

Printable Recipe 

These make a fabulously light weekend breakfast, a delightful surprise for a summer afternoon tea or a simple but elegant finish to the meal!

12 (1/2 inch thick) slices of fresh French bread

120g mascarpone cheese (1/2 cup)

2 punnets of fresh berries (I use strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, 2 cups)

85g Orange blossom, white truffle or lavender honey (about 1/4 cup)

 

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4.  Put the slices of bread onto a baking sheet.  Toast in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.  Remove and let cool until you are ready to use them.

Spread about 1 tsp of mascarpone cheese over each slice of toast. Top with fresh berries.  Drizzle with honey as desired.

 

A clever cook could cream together some mascarpone and creamy blue cheese, or even some cheddar with the mascarpone.  Serve with sliced figs or apple wedges.  You could also place the toasts in a basket along with a choice of cheeses, fruits and several honey choices.  (Think Greek Mountain, Acacia, etc.)  Whichever way you choose to serve these, people will be pleased, and it makes for a simple, delicious and easy finish to any meal!  Bon appetit!