Pesto Crostini Recipe

Fresh, easy, and appetizing – three requirements for a successful summer recipe! This Mediterranean inspired crostini is easy to prepare and sure to appeal to your appetite no matter how hot the summer weather gets.

By combining fresh pesto, ripe tomatoes, and whole grain bread, it provides a delicious way to fuel your summer activities while stocking up on antioxidant flavonoids, healthy monounsaturated fats, and vitamins K, E, and A.

Pesto Crostini

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basil, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 8-10 cherry tomatoes, diced
• 10 slices whole grain baguette

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Using a mortar and pestle, crush the basil and garlic into a smooth mash. Add pine nuts and crush them into the mix. Transfer to a small mixing bowl then stir in parmesan and olive oil. Mix carefully until smooth and even.
3. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and top with pesto and tomato pieces. Bake until bread is lightly crisped and pesto is sizzling (approximately 10 minutes). Enjoy!