Herbed Broad Bean Feta Crostini With Asparagus Food

ASPARAGUS AND BROAD BEANS

Steps:

• Cook the podded broad beans in a large pan of boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, then use a slotted ›spoon to remove the broad beans, leaving the water in the pan. Refresh in cold water, then squeeze them from their thin skins and set aside.
• Bring the water back up to the boil, then add the asparagus. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just soft, then drain.
• In a bowl, toss together the asparagus, broad beans and the dressing ingredients. Taste, adjust the seasoning and serve warm.

LEMON-HERB ASPARAGUS CROSTINI

Steps:

• Toss 1/2 pound asparagus (trimmed and thinly sliced) with 2 tablespoons each lemon juice and chopped basil, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and a pinch each of salt and red pepper flakes. Rub toasted baguette slices with a halved garlic clove. Top with ricotta, the asparagus and chopped chives.

ASPARAGUS CROSTINI

Steps:

• For an easy party snack, spread fresh ricotta on toasted baguette slices, then top with thinly sliced asparagus. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil or truffle oil.

ASPARAGUS, BEAN, AND FETA SALAD

Steps:

• steam the asparagus, covered, 2 minutes or until crsip-tender. Rinse asparagus with cold water and drain.
• Combine asparagus and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl.
• Combine the juice and remaining ingredients in a small bowl; stir well with a whisk. Pour over asparagus mixture and toss gently to coat.

HERBED BROAD BEAN & FETA CROSTINI WITH ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the broad beans for 5-6 mins until tender. Immediately plunge into a bowl of ice-cold water. Squeeze the broad beans from their pods and transfer to the bowl of a food processor with the olive oil, feta, honey, lemon juice and dill fronds. Season with black pepper and blitz to a smooth purée.
• Meanwhile, brush the baguette slices with some olive oil and toast or griddle until golden. Rub with the cut side of a halved garlic clove. Finely chop the blanched asparagus spears and toss in a little olive oil with a squeeze of lemon juice. Spread the purée over the crostini and top with the sliced asparagus and some extra dill. Leftover purée will keep in the fridge for up to two days.

TOMATO CROSTINI WITH WHIPPED FETA

Steps:

• For the whipped feta, place the feta and cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse until the cheeses are mixed. Add 1/3 cup of the olive oil, the lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and process until smooth.
• For the tomatoes, up to an hour before you're serving, combine the shallots, garlic, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes. Whisk in the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the tomatoes, stir gently, and set aside for 10 minutes. Stir in the basil and taste for seasonings.
• To assemble the crostini, spread each slice of bread with a generous amount of whipped feta. With a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes on top. Put the crostini on plates and scatter with the pine nuts. Sprinkle with extra basil and serve.

CROSTINI WITH OLIVES AND FETA SPREAD

Steps:

• To make crostini: partially freeze the unsliced bread loaf.
• Cut into 40 (1-inch-thick) slices.
• Arrange on a cookie sheets.
• Drain the tomatoes, reserving oil.
• Lightly brush one side of each slice with the reserved tomato oil or olive oil.
• Bake in a 300 degree oven for 6 minutes; turn over the slices; bake for another 6 minutes more, or until golden brown.
• Finely chop the drained tomatoes; stir in the olives and the minced garlic; set aside.
• In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese until softened.
• Beat in the feta cheese and milk until smooth.
• Spread the feta/cream cheese mixture on top of the oiled side of the baked crostini.
• Top with a small dollop of tomato mixture.
• Garnish the crostini with shredded fresh basil.