Crostini a trois - the FINALE!

A few days ago I posted a blog on these three little beauties - Crostini a Trois...

Crostini Madras

Crostini Za'atar

Crostini Fennel

I stated that they needed toppings and I had fun hearing several of your suggestions. In addition, I thought about each one, and what flavor combos would work best with them.

SEE THEM IN ALL THEIR GLORY AFTER THE JUMP...

First: Crostini Madras. I used a mixture of Madras curry, turmeric, and smoked paprika; a smokey, exotic mix of flavors. So my topping combo needed to compliment the mouth explosion waiting to happen...

Crostini Madras topping ingredients

A bright sweetness along with some savory nuances was just the ticket. I used these:

• Feta Cheese as the base
• Calmyrna Figs soaked in Sherry
• Prosciutto
• Cuties
• Pomegranates

Crostini Madras Assembly

Crostini Madras Finale

Crostini Madras and Unoaked Chardonnay

Next: Crostini Za'atar. Za'atar is a Mediterranean spice mixture of dried thyme, oregano, savory, sesame seeds, sumac and salt.

Crostini Za'atar topping ingredients

For this, I wanted fresh and lively, and not too overpowering, so I used these:

• Fried Halloumi cheese for the base
• Yellow cherry tomatoes tossed with fresh mint and Citrus Olive Oil
• Sliced cucumbers
• Dusting of smoked paprika

Crostini Za'atar Assembly

Crostini Za'atar Finale

Crostini Za'atar with Unoaked Chardonnay

And finally: Crostini Fennel. For this one I used my rub of toasted fennel, coriander, cayenne pepper and salt.

Crostini Za'atar topping ingredients

I needed a robust flavor to keep up with the bold heat on the crostini, so I used these:

• Baby arugula as the base
• Sweet Vermouth, crushed garlic, and red pepper flake soaked and grilled prawns
• Thinly sliced red onions

Crostini Fennel finishing touches

Crostini Fennel Finale

Crostini a Trois ready to party

And about that wine...

Joel Gott 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay

Joel Gott is a Napa Valley Winery, and this 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay is from Monterey, California. 

This is what they say about this wine:

Tasting Notes:
The 2010 Joel Gott Unoaked Chardonnay has lively citrus aromas of tangerine and meyer lemon with a tropical medley of hibiscus, honeydew melon and pear. The bright acidity leads to a creamy mid-palate with sophisticated minerality and a lingering finish.

It worked perfectly as a nice palate refresher after each bite of these bold little party-in-your-mouth crostinis.