I came across this fantastic cheese called Kokos Coconut Gouda. It is a cows milk cheese from Holland made with coconut cream. It has a distinct smell and taste of coconut.
If you plan to have friends over, these are a great snack. What’s really cool is that you can make these ahead of time. Make the crostinis, then slice up some pear and cheese. Top the crostinis with the pear and cheese, cover and refrigerate. When your friends arrive, just stick them in the oven.
I like to have a nice cold white wine with these. They are great with a sweet or dry white like a Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc or a bubbly like a Cava.
Recipe: 12 pieces
- 12 slices of Whole Grain Baguette or French Baguette
- 1 – 2 Bartlett Pear
- 1/2 Cup Raw Walnuts or Toasted Walnuts or to taste
- Approx. 2 oz Kokos Coconut Gouda
- Real Maple Syrup
Instructions:
Walnuts
Preheat oven to 375°F and spread out the walnuts on a baking sheet.
Roast walnuts until they start to brown and smell toasted about 7 to 10 minutes.
Make sure and check them frequently so they don’t burn. Cool completely.
Crostini
Slice the bread into 1/2 inch slices.
Place slices onto a baking sheet and coat both sides with olive oil.
Place on the top shelf of the oven and broil for 1 – 2 minutes then flip them over and broil for about 1 more minute. Make sure and watch close, they can burn fast.
I usually put the timer on for 1 minute and check then put on for 1 more while watching. They cook faster on the 2nd side because they are already hot.
Assemble
Chop the walnuts, slice the cheese & pear.
Top the crostinis with the pear and the cheese.
Broil crostini for 1 to 2 minutes or until pears are tender and cheese is slightly melted. Check after 1 minute to make sure not to burn.
Top with walnuts and drizzle with maple syrup.
