Although you might be craving for something comforting and warm these chilly days, these Spiced Maple Apple Crostini would still be a delicious seasonal option for your weekend brunch.
This post was originally published in October 2016. I have taken and updated new photos while the post and recipe remain unchanged.
October or November? Don’t Feel the Difference!
As I mentioned in my previous post, I am having quite hectic days this November. Well, even though it’s still October, my days do look like it’s November.
I might be cooking something fancy on weekends, but I always happy to make and eat something simple yet scrumptious. And what could be easier than bruschetta or crostini (We aren’t discussing the options like bread and peanut butter or bread and cheese)?
Crostini – Simple or Sophisticated Food?
This year I’ve enjoyed bruschettas and crostini quite often. You may say I’ve been rather lazy to make more sophisticated food. I’ll tell you this might be a fancy thing. Let me remind you some lovely ideas:
Blackberry Lavender Goat Cheese Crostini
Goat Cheese Cardamom Cherry Crostini
As you can see, I might be partial to fruit kind of toasts.
Spiced Maple Apple Crostini – Perfect Seasonal Treat
This October I created this Spiced Maple Apple Crostini – an absolutely seasonal food. The combo of apples sauteed in butter with maple syrup, cardamom, and cinnamon is truly hearty and earthy! Served over slightly salty cream cheese, the topping is exceptionally delicious.
And would you like a free piece of advice, my friends? Add a little (or not really little) splash of whiskey or bourbon in the sauce. Because you know both whiskey and bourbon work great with maple syrup, apples, and butter. Some things cannot be separated, you know. That’s a little sad that I generated such an awesome idea only while writing this blog post.
But you are going to be smart and add some booze, aren’t you?
Anyways, with or without alcohol, the Spiced Maple Apple Crostini are the perfect seasonal food.
Yum!
Spiced Maple Apple Crostini
Notes
havocinthekitchen.com
Ingredients
- 7-8 slices baguette
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 2 medium apples, cubed
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- fresh thyme
Instructions
- In a small pan, melt the butter with the maple syrup over medium heat and simmer for a few minutes until start to thicken. Add the apples, thyme, and the spices and toss to coat. Sauté few minutes or until the apples have stated to soften. Off heat.
- In the meantime, toast the baguette on a dry skillet or in a toaster as desired. Remove from heat and let cool a little.
- Spread the cream cheese over the toasts. Top with the apples and some sauce. Serve immediately.
- Enjoy!
Loving this unusual crostini and it’s so perfect for upcoming holidays. I could eat a whole tray of these for dinner. The cream cheese is the protein so it’s acceptable. heeheehee
I would recommend having a tray of these for dinner and then a few extra for dessert, Karrie! What kind of meal could be without dessert?:)
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Butternut Squash Chestnut Coconut Milk Soup
These crostini look so pretty and just perfect for a beautiful fall weekend breakfast. Just by looking at your pictures, I can almost smell the cinnamon-y, cardamom-y apples…..and now that’s all I want to eat! :)
Oh, and love the idea of adding a little whiskey or bourbon to the apples, sounds simply amazing!
Evi @ greenevi recently posted…Vegan Loaded Potato Skins
Ehhh, the combo of apples, cardamom, and cinnamon (not to mention maple) is simply amazing! Thanks Evi!
Yes, add the booze. Actually, I think a bit on the side would be good when it is served too! I do like crostini, and this is a very unique take on one Ben. I’m envisioning it as a breakfast crostini (ok, maybe not whiskey then!) or a light dessert. Thanks for the good idea Ben.
Matt @ RoughEats recently posted…The totally awesome Baked Mars Bar
You’re welcome, Matt! Yup, whiskey in a morning version would be a little too much…or not?:)
Yes for little, tasty nibbles like these and those flowers. My the colors are beautiful. I usually go for the savory crostini, so these are most appetizing Ben, thanks!
Kevin | Keviniscooking recently posted…Feta Spinach Stuffed French Bread
Thanks Kevin!
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Spiced Maple Apple French Toasts
I love a good crostini! They feel so fancy, but they are so easy to make. This one definitely sounds like it’s up my alley…and there’s no lavender in it! The splash of bourbon definitely needs to happen, too. In fact, I might splash the mixture with bourbon and then splash my mouth with some more. Is that allowed when cooking? Also, you named this Spiced in honor of me, right? ;-) Have a great weekend, Ben!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Classic Pizza Margherita
It is totally allowed, David. The good point about making these crostini, that this doesn’t require a lot of time, Thus, there’s no risk of splashing your mouth with bourbon too often:)
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Spiced Maple Apple French Toasts