Roasted Grapes with Thyme, Ricotta and Grilled Bread

How many times do you wish you had a creative appetizer that will “wow” your guests? I bet the answer is a resounding YES!

While browsing through Pinterest, I can across a fantastic crostini recipe that will most certainly impress. I have found time after time, the simplest ingredients put together make the best recipes. This Roasted Grape Crostini fulfills that philosophy. It is smoky, sweet, salty, crunchy, creamy and herbaceous all at the same time.

During my holiday vacation of seventeen glorious days, my hubby and I did quite a bit of entertaining at our house. {One of my favorite things to do}. I served this Roasted Grape Crostini to our guests and this appetizer certainly impressed. It is so simple yet the flavor combinations together are simply wonderful. For me, the grilled ciabatta bread is the key to the success of this appetizer.

I saw a great saying the other day that every foodie can identify with – “Mangia Vita Amore”. It is Italian for – “Eat, Live, Love”. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is geared up for a fantastic 2012!

Roasted Grapes with Thyme, Ricotta and Grilled Bread

Grapes (used seedless purple grapes)
Ciabatta Bread
Olive oil
Ricotta Cheese
Thyme
Lemon Zest
Fleur de Sel

Preheat oven to 450ºF. Spread grapes onto a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt. Toss all together gently with your hands. Place pan in the oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until grapes just begin to burst.

Meanwhile, heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush the bread with olive oil. Grill until nice and toasty. Tip: keep heat at medium and toast longer, to prevent burning.

Assemble the open-faced sandwiches: Spread ricotta over bread. Top with roasted grapes. Add the lemon zest and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Sprinkle with a bit of salt or fleur de sel. Tip: Have the ricotta at room temperature before spreading.

*This recipe is originally from Real Simple Magazine, September 2011 and I found it on Alexander’s Kitchen through Pinterest. I made a few slight alterations. It is a loose recipe, so you have flexibility to make as many or little crostini’s as you like.