Hello, lovely readers! My name is Anastasia Korsakova, and in today’s post, I’ll be sharing with you my all-time favorite appetizer recipe – the Spiced Plum and Brie Crostini. Trust me, once you sink your teeth into these bad boys, you’ll be hooked. They’re sweet, savory, and oh-so-delicious!
Anastasia grew up in a small village in Russia, where she learned to appreciate the beauty of fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. After studying culinary arts in Paris, she moved to New York City to start her own catering business. When not in the kitchen, Anastasia loves to paint and go on hiking trips with her dog.
Anastasia Korsakova currently resides in the United States and grew up in Russia.
As you might have guessed from my name, I come from a small village in Russia. Growing up, I was surrounded by fresh produce and homemade dishes – a tradition that has stayed with me through the years. That’s why I love this recipe so much, it’s a perfect combination of my heritage and my passion for cooking. The Spiced Plum and Brie Crostini conjure up memories of autumn harvests and cozy evenings by the fireplace.
The Spiced Plum and Brie Crostini don’t come from a specific region or country, but rather from my own experimentation in the kitchen. I’ve always loved the combination of sweet and savory, so I started playing around with different ingredients until I found the perfect mix. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg pair perfectly with the sweet-tartness of plums, and the creamy brie cheese adds just the right amount of richness. Plus, these crostinis are so versatile – you can switch up the fruit and cheese for endless flavor combinations. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
What you need
This Spiced Plum and Brie Crostini recipe is a mouthwatering combination of sweet, juicy plums and creamy brie cheese on top of a crispy baguette slice. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the sweet fruit flavors perfectly. The recipe is easy to follow and involves just a few steps – toasting the baguette slices, preparing the spiced plums, and baking the crostini with slices of brie cheese. These appetizers are perfect for gourmet entertaining, or for an intimate dinner party with family or friends. They are not only delicious, but also a beautiful addition to any food spread. Plus, the recipe is easily customizable – swap out the plums for peaches or nectarines, or try a different soft cheese like Camembert. Trust me, once you try these spiced plum and brie crostini, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients:
- French baguette – Sliced into thin rounds and toasted for the perfect crunchy base for the crostini. Can be substituted with another crusty bread.
- Brie cheese – Soft, creamy cheese that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the plums. Can be swapped with another soft cheese like Camembert or goat cheese.
- Plums – Pitted and thinly sliced, these sweet and juicy fruits provide the perfect balance to the savory cheese. Can be substituted with peaches or nectarines.
- Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to the crostini. Can be swapped with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Cinnamon – A fragrant spice that enhances the flavor of the plums and adds warmth to the crostini. Can be substituted with nutmeg or cardamom.
- Nutmeg – Another warm spice option that can be swapped with cinnamon or cardamom.
- Salt – Adds balance to the sweetness of the crostini.
- Black pepper – Brings a subtle, but important, heat to the crostini.
- Fresh thyme leaves – Garnish that adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the crostini. Can be substituted with rosemary or sage.
Utensils:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Small mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Small whisk or fork
Brie cheese
Brie cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that has been a favorite of mine for years. What I love about brie is that it pairs so well with both sweet and savory flavors. It’s the perfect addition to this spiced plum and brie crostini recipe, adding a rich and indulgent element that is balanced by the sweetness of the plums. While brie cheese is not considered to be particularly healthy due to its high fat content, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. In this recipe, a small amount goes a long way in providing a luxurious taste experience. Some people are put off by brie cheese’s moldy rind, but trust me, once you try the rich, creamy center, you’ll be hooked.
Plums
Plums are a juicy, sweet fruit that add a burst of freshness to any recipe. I chose to use plums in this crostini recipe because they pair so beautifully with brie cheese and the warm spices in the recipe. Not only do they provide a sweet element to the dish, but plums are also packed with nutrients. They are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants which help to support a healthy immune system. While plums can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack, they are often overlooked as an ingredient in savory recipes. However, their sweet flavor and juicy texture make them the perfect addition to this spiced plum and brie crostini recipe.
What to serve it with?
My favorite way to serve Spiced Plum and Brie Crostini is by pairing it with a nice glass of red wine. The bold flavors of the wine complement the sweet and savory notes of the crostini so well, it’s like they were made for each other. I particularly love to serve this recipe as part of a cheese board – with different types of cheeses, crackers, and fruits. It’s the perfect way to create an elegant and indulgent spread, and it reminds me of my time spent living in Paris, enjoying aperitifs with friends. So, go ahead and pour yourself a glass, and let’s cheers to good food, good wine, and good company!
Summary
As I wrap up this post, I sincerely hope that you’re feeling inspired to whip up a batch of Spiced Plum and Brie Crostini of your own. Trust me, they are an absolute showstopper, and your guests will be blown away. If you have any tips or tricks that you’d like to share, or if you’ve tried different fruit and cheese combinations that you loved, please share them in the comments below. Cooking is all about experimentation and sharing ideas, and I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for tuning in, happy cooking, and until next time!
Here’s the recipe:
Spiced Plum and Brie Crostini: A Sweet-Savory Delight for Gourmet Entertaining
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Sharp Knife
- cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Small whisk or fork
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette
- 8 oz Brie cheese
- 4 large Plums
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Toast the baguette slices - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. -
- Prepare the spiced plums - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced plums to the bowl and toss gently to coat in the mixture. -
- Bake the crostini - Top each baguette slice with a slice of brie cheese. Arrange the spiced plum slices on top of the cheese. Place the crostini back onto the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh thyme leaves. - You can broil the crostini for a minute or two at the end to brown the cheese and plums slightly.
