The beautiful weather we’ve been having lately has got me making tasty, fresh and new recipes in the kitchen. Wine always makes an occasion extra special. It also makes any ordinary day special too! With Spring right around the corner, what better way to celebrate than getting together with family and friends. I’m serving Gloria Ferrer Carneros Chardonnay and these delicious (and simple) Ricotta, Parmesan & Asparagus Crostini this season for a light and refreshing appetizer your family and friends are going to love!
The bright citrus flavors featured in Gloria Ferrer Carneros Chardonnay is lovely paired with several of your favorite Spring foods. It’s aged for nine months on French Oak Barrels to increase complexity and it’s aromas of peach, pear and pineapple are blended with a hint of toast. The light tropical notes and Meyer lemon round this wine out beautifully on your palate making it the ideal wine to serve with this crostini.
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards is Carneros’ original sparkling wine house, is owned and founded by the Ferrer family of Spain. Named for José Ferrer’s wife, Gloria, the winery opened in 1986 in the breezy, now-famous region in southernmost Sonoma County. Gloria Ferrer wines have also earned over 400 gold medals and 50 90+ scores in the last 5 years! If you haven’t tried their wine yet, make sure you pick up a bottle or 2 to enjoy!
Most of this simple recipe can be made ahead of time too! That means you can spend more time with your guests!
Place the ricotta, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh asparagus seasoned with a little salt in your food processor and pulse until everything is well combined. It should be nice and creamy.
Place that filling in a container and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the crostini.
Take the remaining asparagus (the tips of the asparagus that you previously snapped off) and store those in the refrigerator separately. Right before your party or get together, slice a french baguette into 1/2 inch pieces, brush them with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt and toast it in the oven until golden brown around the edges.
Remove the bread from the oven and while it’s still warm, rub a clove of fresh garlic across the top of the crostini.
Let the bread cool and then top it with the asparagus and cheese mixture and then top each crostini with a 2 asparagus tips.
Serve Ricotta, Parmesan & Asparagus Topped Crostini on a white platter garnished with fresh parsley if you like and serve with your favorite Gloria Ferrer wines!
Happy Spring!
Do you prefer reds? Try Gloria Ferrer’s earthy Pinot Noir along with cheeses and rich flavorful dishes like pan seared duck breast, roasted quail or grilled lamb for dinner. It’s delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 (9 oz.) french baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- 1 large clove of garlic
- 1 (15 oz.) container part skim milk ricotta
- 1 cup freshly, finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 lb. fresh asparagus, tips removed and set aside
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Brush your sliced baguette pieces with extra virgin olive oil on both sides.
- Sprinkle with a little salt.
- Toast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until light golden brown.
- Remove the crostini from the oven and while it's still warm, rub the garlic clove roughly across the tops.
- Let cool.
- In your food processor, add the ricotta, Parmesan cheese and asparagus and pulse until smooth and creamy.
- Season with a little salt to taste, about 1/2 a tsp.
- Place a spoonful and place it on top of each crostini and then top with 2 asparagus tips.
- Serve with Gloria Ferrer Chardonnay.
- Enjoy!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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