Smoked Salmon and Pancetta Crostini

Recipe by: Victoria Blashford-Snell, Brigitte Hafner | from The Illustrated Kitchen Bible

Cookstr

Course: Antipasto/Mezze, Hors D'oeuvre

Total Time: Under 30 Minutes

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Moderate

Photo by:

Crostini and bruschette can be made in many variations. Tangy-buttery créme fraîche lightens this savory bite.

Yield: Makes 12 crostini

INGREDIENTS

12 slices of French (baguette)bread
3 tbsp olive oil
6 slices of pancetta
¾ cup créme fraîche or sour cream
2 tbsp whole grain mustard
3 tbsp capers, rinsed
1 tsp fresh lemon zest
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
7 oz (200g) smoked salmon, cut into strips
12 whole chives, snipped into 1in (2.5cm) lengths to garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Cool completely.

2. Preheat the broiler and position the broiler rack 6in (15cm) from the source of heat. Broil the pancetta for about 5 minutes until crisp on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Cut into thin strips.

3. Mix the créme fraîche with the mustard, the capers, the lemon zest, and juice, and black pepper to taste.

4. Place the bread slices on a serving plate, spread with the créme fraîche mixture, and top with strips of smoked salmon, pieces of pancetta, and chives to garnish.

Variation

Classic Italian Crostini

Remove the smoked salmon, replace the créme fraîche mixture with slices of fresh mozzarella, and use fresh basil instead of chives. Brush the bread slices with garlic and olive oil, then lightly pepper the mozzarella. Place a piece of basil on each piece of mozzarella, then wrap it in half a slice of prosciutto. Place the crostini under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese melts.

Notes

Prepare ahead:

The bread slices can be baked up to 2 hours ahead. The créme fraîche mixture can be made 24 hours in advance. Assemble the crostini just before serving.

Pancetta is widely available from delicatessens and supermarkets, but if you cannot find any, use thinly sliced bacon instead. Prepared horseradish can be used instead of mustard; the flavor goes very well with the salmon and pancetta.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information is based on 12 servings.

Calories 199kcal (10%)

Calcium 35mg (3%)

Vitamin C 1mg (1%)

Vitamin A 32mcg RAE (1%)

Potassium 109mg

Magnesium 16mg

Protein 8g

Sugar 1g

Fiber 1g