3632. BACON RICOTTA CROSTINI

makes about 30 crostini, serves 10-15 

1 long baguette

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper

15 ounce container ricotta, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 pound thick-cut bacon

honey

freshly cracked pepper

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Use a serrated knife to cut the baguette into about 30 slices.

Use a pastry brush to coat each side of the slices with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper over one or both sides of the slices.

Spread the bread out onto a large baking sheet, not overlapping. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip each toast. Bake for another 3-4 minutes. It's okay if they are not browned. Let the toasts cool for a few minutes.

Finely chop the raw bacon. Cook it in a heavy skillet until it is crispy, then remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Add the ricotta to a medium bowl and stir until smooth. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, if you want. (This is optional)

When the toasts are cool enough to handle, add a dollop of ricotta to the center of each toast. Top with a sprinkle of bacon.

Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and more salt, if desired. Drizzle with a little bit of honey.

bacon recipe source: Karen Gifford (@foodcharlatan), The Food Charlatan, November 7, 2014