It’s hotter than bejeezus here this week.
How’s that for an intro to an elegant dish like Fresh Peach Crostini with Whipped Honey Feta and Balsamic Drizzle? Sorry, but it’s true! We’re talking highs in the 100s with a heat index 10-15 degrees higher. Lincoln’s and my daily walk has been temporarily moved to the mall, and schools are canceling classes right and left.
Why when I was that age, I walked uphill to school both ways in the heat…
Kidding!
Anyway, August is going out like a lion, and I don’t know anybody around here that isn’t enjoying copious amounts of salads, take-out, and other nearly-no-heat required meals. Which is exactly why I whipped up these cool and crisp Fresh Peach Crostini with Whipped Honey Feta and Balsamic Drizzle.
I wish I could tell you I served these tasty little bites at a fabulous little party I threw at the house last weekend. No, I made them because the heat had me craving a light bite and nothing sounded better than sweet-‘n’-tangy whipped feta smeared onto crisped baguette slices topped with a fresh peach slice then drizzled with luscious balsamic reduction. I enjoyed these alone and for no other reason then they were ridiculously refreshing.
Ok, ok, these babies require a tiny bit of oven time to crisp up the crostini, and a short simmer to reduce the balsamic vinegar, but the result is so worth it. Love these sweet and savory bites, which are perfect for parties, or for a moment to savor alone at home. : )
Start by making the balsamic reduction that’s drizzled on top of the crostini. Bring 1 cup balsamic vinegar to a boil in a saucepan then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the vinegar is the consistency of thin maple syrup. Let it cool completely. FYI the vinegar will thicken as it cools so don’t let it get too thick during the simmer.
Next make the crostini by slicing up 2 mini baguettes, or 1/2 regular-sized baguette.
Slice the baguettes 1/4″ thick then brush both sides with extra virgin olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re nice and golden brown. Note: crostini are AWESOME dipped in soups and chowders. Just something to remember for this fall and winter!
Next make the whipped honey feta which I am THIS excited about! Whipped feta hit the food blogging community hard earlier this summer, and per usual I am a bit late to the party. I think the addition of honey makes up for it though. In a food processor add 4oz feta cheese, 2oz cream cheese, and 2 Tablespoons honey.
Process the mixture for 3-4 minutes, scraping the sides down a few times, until it’s whippy and smooth. YUM!
Finally, slice up a couple super-ripe peaches. Look for peaches that smell like peaches, and give a little when you press in with your thumb. These were unbelievably juicy Missouri peaches, which I just adore.
To assemble, slather some of the whipped honey feta on top of the crostini then add a peach slice and drizzle with cooled balsamic reduction. Pop onto a party platter or straight to the face!
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Fresh Peach Crostini with Whipped Honey Feta & Balsamic Drizzle
Description
Fresh Peach Crostini with Whipped Honey Feta & Balsamic Drizzle are the perfect bite on a hot summer day.
Ingredients
- 2 mini baguettes or 1/2 regular baguette
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt & pepper
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4oz feta cheese
- 2oz cream cheese
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 peaches, thinly sliced
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut baguettes into 1/4" slices then brush both sides with extra virgin olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place onto a baking sheet then bake for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown, rotating sheet halfway through. Let cool completely.
- Bring balsamic vinegar to a boil in a small saucepan then lower heat to medium and simmer until it’s the consistency of thin maple syrup, about 15 minutes. Let cool. Note: vinegar will continue to thicken as it cools and can be made a day or two ahead of time.
- Combine feta cheese, cream cheese, and honey in a food processor then process until very smooth, scraping down sides a few times.
- Smear whipped honey feta onto cooled crostini then top with a peach slice and drizzle with cooled balsamic drizzle and serve.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
What’s great about this recipe is not only the combo of sweet peach and balsamic reduction with tangy-sweet honey feta, but also the combo of textures. Crunchy crostini, creamy cheese, and juicy peach. So. Much. Win. Enjoy!
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner 08.28.2013
I started buying the “real” balsamic a year ago, so I no longer have to make reductions. Best decision I ever made. These look amazing!
Nicole 08.28.2013
This looks wonderful! Can you suggest a good balsamic vinegar? I live in the Des Moines area and haven’t found anything great yet.
Thanks!!
Iowa Girl Eats 08.28.2013
Check out Allspice in the East Village!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe 08.28.2013
These look magical! Crostini are my jam!
Emily @ Life on Food 08.28.2013
Whipped Feta! Peaches! Balsamic! Oh my! I would eat these even if it wasn’t hot.
Tracy 08.28.2013
Those local (to me…I’m in Kansas City) Missouri peaches have been SO good this summer!
The honey feta cheese sounds amazing!
Nina @ Too Hottie For That Body 08.28.2013
It crazy how happy this recipe makes me… it’s the little things ;)
Theresa 08.28.2013
I’m actually salivating! These sound incredible!
brandy m 08.28.2013
Just YUMMMMM!!!
Cat Yates 08.28.2013
Holy moly, these look amazing! I can’t wait to try them as soon as we get some decent peaches here in Vegas.
Sarah 08.28.2013
Man, I cannot wait until peaches are in season down here
Madison 08.28.2013
AMAZING! I love the whipped honey feta. YUM–could eat that with a spoon. :)
Gretchen @ Two Healthy Kitchens 08.28.2013
First, just let me tell you that I love your site!! Can’t wait to start to follow you and see more delicious recipes! Your pictures are amazing, as well!
These crostinis look SO delicious! And refreshing – it’s been really hot here in Ohio this week, as well. It’s like summer finally decided to show up! But seriously – these look so quick, easy and yummy!! I think these would be just perfect for an upcoming party!!
Katie 08.28.2013
Could you have toasted the bread on the grill? I don’t mind using the stovetop, but my oven is a heater!! (which is wonderful in the winter, but not this week!)
jenn from much to my delight 08.28.2013
What is that? The most attractive food photo ever? I’m not sure how you have time to cook amazing meals, photograph them to perfection and then blog about them with a baby, but I’m pretty amazed by your ability to do all of it. These sound incredible and are so damn pretty to look at! Plus, I like the idea of eating party food even without other people around.
Kevin @ Closet Cooking 08.28.2013
So simple and so good!
Sarah@ Making Thyme for Health 08.28.2013
I am obsessed with peaches right now. They’re just so perfect! I’ve made a similar crostini but I never thought to use feta and balsamic. Sounds yummy!
It’s actually cooling off here in Northern California. Maybe the heat wave is coming our way soon!
Tom T. 08.28.2013
Another amazing creation. I am not so confident in my cooking abilities after last night’s epic dinner fail. You make this look so easy.
Sally 08.28.2013
You are so creative! These look divine, can’t way to try
Tieghan 08.28.2013
These are awesome! The whipped feta and honey, the perfectly toasted toast, the peaches and the balsamic drizzle!! So good looking!
Elsi 08.28.2013
Wow this looks amazing! I have to try these for a starter when I have guests next time!
I love your blog BTW and featured your Thai fried quinoa recipe on my own blog. I have already made it many times and it just tastes amazing!
I am definitely going to try this one!