Lucky New Year Crostini Recipes

Steps:

• Coat a large saute pan with extra-virgin olive oil. Add the 3 smashed garlic cloves and the crushed red pepper and bring to a medium heat. When the garlic is brown and very aromatic remove the garlic and discard. It has fulfilled its garlic destiny. Add the fennel, season with salt, and saute for 3 to 4 minutes or until the fennel is wilted and soft but does not have any color. Add the shrimp and white wine and season with salt. Saute for 1 to 2 minutes or until the wine has evaporated. Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed. Reserve.
• Toast or grill each piece of bread and rub with the whole garlic clove. Drizzle each toast generously with extra-virgin olive oil and top with the shrimp/fennel mixture. Garnish with fennel fronds. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Try not to eat them all yourself.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Slice the baguette into 1/3-inch rounds. Lightly toast in the oven, about 10 minutes. Cool and rub with cut end of garlic clove.
• Brush with olive oil. Lightly toast again until oil sizzles. Spread cheese on crostini and heat in oven until cheese bubbles. Remove from oven. Spread with tapenade and sprinkle with a few thyme leaves.
• Serve immediately