Spinach Almond Crostini Food

SPINACH AND GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Use 2 tablespoons of the oil to brush both sides of the bread slices. Arrange on a baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Bake until golden, flipping halfway through, about 7 minutes. While the toasts are hot, rub both sides with the whole garlic clove and return the bread to the baking sheet.
• Toast the pine nuts in a large skillet over medium heat, swirling, until lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive, minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook, over medium heat and stirring frequently, until the garlic is soft, about 1 minute. Add the spinach, in batches, sprinkling with salt after each new addition, until wilted and tender. Transfer to the bowl with the pine nuts, add the lemon zest and toss well. Drain the mixture in a colander and then roughly chop it.
• Divide the spinach mixture among the toasts and top each with some crumbled goat cheese. Bake just until cheese starts to melt, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with more red pepper flakes if using and serve warm.
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SPINACH-ALMOND RICE

Steps:

• Bring 3 cups salted water to a simmer; add 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, cover and cook over low heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then let cool. Toss with 4 cups baby spinach, 1/2 cup each chopped marinated artichoke hearts and toasted slivered almonds, 1 cup chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, the juice of 2 lemons and 1/3 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

SPINACH AND PARMESAN CROSTINI

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F. In medium bowl, stir together spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic and pepper.
• Spoon 2 tablespoons cheese mixture on each bread slice. Sprinkle with pine nuts. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated and nuts are toasted. Serve warm.

BACON-WRAPPED SPINACH DIP CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the bacon with the brown sugar in a medium bowl until evenly coated. Arrange the bacon on a baking sheet and bake until light golden around the edges but still very soft, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Wipe the baking sheet clean, then spray with cooking spray.
• Stir together the spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl.
• Spoon 1 tablespoon of the spinach mixture onto each slice of bread and wrap it with a piece of bacon so that the ends are tucked under the bread (it should look a bit like a belt). Arrange the crostini on the prepared baking sheet and bake until the bacon is dark golden, about 15 minutes. These are best served warm.

SPINACH-FETA CROSTINI

Steps:

• Mix together all of the ingredients except the bread.
• (If making ahead, cover and refrigerate until needed.) Spread mixture on each slice of bread, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes or until golden.