Ok, where do I start. The New Years eve gala was nothing short of amazing. When you see the food line up I think you will agree. On top of all the food the night included some adult beverages, some funny board games ( FART and Apple to Apples ) as well as some great music and even some dancing. I will not delve to far into the dancing aspect of the evening.
For these toasts, I listed the ingredients and method for each of the three flavors. You will also see in the pictures that there was a 4th toast which was called Fig and Balsamic. This was a pre-made spread from the superstore so I didn’t include it in the post. It was quite tasty nonetheless.
Roasted Onions
- 1 or 2 Onions ( sliced)
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1Tbsp. butter
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 Tsp Rosemary, thyme, oregano
Method
- Slowly brown onions in butter and olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper as well as those herbs desired.
- Dried and fresh herbs can be used but the more delicate herbs should be added near the end of the cooking time.
- Total time will probably be over 30 minutes as this avoid the onions burning.
- Little attention is required during this time.
Sauteed Mushrooms
- Mix of mushroom types sliced, Portabella and Shitake were used. Quantities depend on how much is desired.
- Butter
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
Method
- Brown in heated pan that has butter and oil added to melt.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until mushrooms brown and reduce in size
Roasted Red Pepper and Cheese
- 2 Red Bell Pepper
- 5 Oz soft goat cheese
- 1 Tsp. minced shallot
- Salt and Pepper
Method
- Roast peppers until skin is blackened and place in paper bag to steam. This will make peeling the skin easy.
- The peppers can be roasted on grill, over a gas burner or through broiling.
- Dice the peppers once cooled and peeled.
- Mix with the remaining ingredients and allow flavors to blend.
Slice baguette to about 1/2 inch thick. Grill on one side, or drizzle olive oil over parchment paper lined pan and place toasts on the paper. Add toppings and again drizzle with olive oil and bake in 350 F oven.
The bottoms will toast and crust from the olive oil, and the parchment will prevent sticking.
The first of quite a few great dishes to remember 2009. Stay tuned for some more great recipes that you can make for you and your family.
Take care
zesty
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy New Year Zesty!
Great crostini variations! I especially love the roasted red pepper and goat cheese combo.
I recently discovered Apples to Apples… what a fun game!
Caramelized onions are one of my favorite things! YUM!!!!!!
I would have been all over the red pepper/goat cheese! Looks delicious.
Happy New Year Zesty – looking forward to your 2010 dishes!
mmm. the one with roasted onions looks amazing!!
@ Jamie – Thanks and same to you!
@Lauren and Biz – I agree. I think the red pepper toast was one of my favs
I was trying to decide which ones I would have eaten first, and at some point or another, I had each of the three ranked first! I’ve decided it’s at least a two-way tie between the roasted onion and the sauteed mushroom
Happy New Year!
Zesty,… I am on day 2 of my diet… I have not fallen off the wagon as of yet. I am however craving your MIL’S fudge squares, any low cal recipes you can send my way?
Toasts like these are so perfect for parties. I’m saving this post
roasted onions…yumm..happy new year!
where’s todays words of wisdom from the Zester !!
Happy New Year! All of these little toast combinations look incredible and easy!
Happy New Year to you too! Love the toast theme. Roasted onions are just amazing. I would have taken the whole plate of those
I hear you on the blogging slow down! It was too hard for me to post daily too. Hope you have a good one
I love making all different kinds of appetizers when I entertain, this is a perfect easy way to do it, thanks!