This is a very unique Blueberry Chevre Crostini appetizer! The champagne vinegar soaked hibiscus flowers adds the perfect tang to the soft flavors of the chevre and the subtle sweetness of the blueberries. Add all that onto a crunchy crostini and it’s outstanding!
The 4th of July was always a big deal growing up in L.A. A bunch of us would walk the beach from Santa Monica to Venice, from party to party, trying not to get hit by bottle rockets. I remember the skies flooded with them. It was kinda scary! They don’t allow that anymore.
When I moved back to Venice for a few years in 2007, I did the 4th with at least 20 of our friends that all grew up together. We were all on bikes crusin the boardwalk. We rode to the Venice canals before the fireworks started and watched them from the top of a bridge with the best view. It was always a lot of fun!
Tis the season for appetizers and with the 4th of July coming up, I can’t think of a better appetizer than this red, white and blue crostini.
For a festive wine, I would pair these crostini with a Prosecco or a Cava.
Blueberry Chevre Crostini Recipe:
12 Crostini
- 12 Slices French Baguette
- Approx. 5 oz. Chevre Goat Cheese – or to taste – room temperature
- 1 Container Blueberries – 5 to 10 per crostini
- 1/4 Cup Champagne Vinegar Soaked Hibiscus Flowers – or to taste
Hibiscus Champagne Vinegar – can be doubled
- 1/4 Cup Dried Hibiscus Flowers
- 1/4 Cup Champagne Vinegar (I used 12.7 oz. Napa Valley Naturals)
Instructions:
Hibiscus Flowers
You will need to soak the hibiscus flowers in the vinegar for 4 days to a week. (I did a week)
Prepare this 4 days to a week ahead. Add the hibiscus flowers to a jar and pour the vinegar over the hibiscus. Let sit for 4 days to a week. (I did a week) Strain into another jar. Save the hibiscus vinegar for other recipes.
You could use the vinegar for a salad dressings.
Crostini
Slice the bread into 1/2 inch slices.
Place slices on to 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.
Let cool.
Assemble
Spread the chevre on to the crostini and top with the blueberries and vinegar flowers. Serve as is or drizzle with maple syrup. I sometimes put them in the toaster oven for a minute or so, which is also really good!
Health benefits:
Hibiscus Flowers is a simple way to increase your antioxidant intake due to the high vitamin C content. The antioxidant properties can help reverse the inflammatory process in your body and has the ability to lower high blood pressure. It protects against chronic disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. It helps lower “bad” LDL cholesterol from the body, therefore it helps protect against heart disease and blood vessels from damage.
Blueberries are high in Vitamin C. They are a super food and are one of the highest in antioxidants compared to most fruits. They are a great source of fiber. The fiber helps reduce abdominal fat, lower cholesterol and helps lower glucose. They are great for brain health, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and they are known to heal damaged brain cells. So they help you keep your memory intact.
