Lavender Honey Goat Cheese Crostini

Written By Tony Schaffran of Lewis River Lavender

These Lavender Honey Goat Cheese Crostini make a delightful and elegant appetizer that combines the floral notes of lavender, the creaminess of goat cheese and the sweetness of honey. They are perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated gathering. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

For the Lavender Honey:

·        2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds

·        1/2 cup honey

For the Crostini:

·        1 French baguette

·        8 ounces of fresh goat cheese

·        2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

·        1 clove garlic, peeled and cut in half

·        Fresh lavender sprigs (for garnish)

·        Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1.     Prepare the Lavender Honey:

o   In a small saucepan, combine the dried culinary lavender buds and honey.

o   Heat the mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will infuse the honey with the lavender flavor.

o   Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the lavender honey to cool. Once cooled, strain out the lavender buds using a fine mesh strainer and set the honey aside.

2.     Toast the Baguette:

o   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

o   Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds.

o   Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush one side with olive oil.

o   Toast in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy.

3.     Rub with Garlic:

o   As soon as the crostini comes out of the oven, rub the cut sides of the garlic clove on the toasted side of each slice for a subtle garlic flavor.

4.     Assemble the Crostini:

o   Spread a generous amount of fresh goat cheese on the garlic-rubbed side of each crostini.

5.     Drizzle with Lavender Honey:

o   Drizzle a teaspoon of the lavender honey over each goat cheese-covered crostini. You can adjust the amount of honey to your taste.

6.     Season and Garnish:

o   Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper over the crostini to balance the sweetness of the honey.

o   Garnish with a small sprig of fresh lavender on each crostini to enhance the lavender aroma and add a decorative touch.

7.     Serve:

o   Arrange the Lavender Honey Goat Cheese Crostini on a platter and serve immediately.