Goat Cheese Crostini - Giada

Ingredients

• 1 baguette
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces soft fresh goat cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
• salt
• pepper
• 1/2 cup pitted sicilian green olives or kalamata olive, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. 2

   Arrange the bread slices on 2 heavy large baking sheets. Brush them with olive oil.

3. 3

   Bake until the crostini are pale golden and crisp, about 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Blend the goat cheese and cream cheese in a food processor until smooth and creamy.

5. 5

   Add the parsley, thyme, and lemon peel.

6. 6

   Using the on/off button, pulse just to blend.

7. 7

   Season with salt and pepper, to taste. (I use kosher salt & fresh-ground pepper).

8. 8

   Spread the cheese mixture over the crostini.

9. 9

   Sprinkle with the olives, chives, and more pepper. Arrange the toasts on a platter and serve.

10. 10

    Do-Ahead Tip: The crostini and cheese mixture can each be prepared 2 days ahead. Store the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate the cheese mixture. Let the cheese mixture stand at room temperature for 1 hour to soften slightly before spreading over the crostini.