It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I was reminded of that last night as we went to dinner with friends and toured one of Pittsburgh’s treasures, Phipp’s Conservatory and their winter flower show. It was so nice to be able to take a break and just enjoy spending time with our friends!

I normally love the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Finding the perfect gifts, baking, entertaining and spending time with family and friends. But, it can be exhausting too, so having quick and easy recipes for entertaining is a lifesaver. That is why this little appetizer, my Holiday Cranberry Crostini, is a favorite of mine.

They are festive, delicious and so incredibly easy! They take all of 15 minutes to assemble. You do need to soak the cranberries for at least 4 hours (overnight is better) so they require a little forethought but, that is what makes them so delicious!

Be sure to save the “juice” from the cranberries! It is delicious mixed with a glass of Prosecco – and goes perfectly with these Holiday Cranberry Crostini! (And if you want a non-alcoholic version, soak the cranberries in orange juice instead of Cointreau.)

Whatever you are celebrating this time of year, I hope you are enjoying spending time with family and friends!

Cranberry Orange Crostini

A simple but festive appetizer that is perfect for holiday celebrations. The leftover "juice" from the cranberries is delicious mixed into a little Prosecco!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Cranberry soaking time 8 hours hrs

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 16 pieces

Ingredients

  

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• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 Tbsp Cointreau (or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version)
• 16 slices french bread about ¼ inch thick
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 oz. Mascarpone cheese softened
• 1 Tbsp orange zest
• 2 Tbsp chopped walnuts

Instructions

 

• Put cranberries in a shallow bowl and pour Cointreau over.  Allow cranberries to
  soak for 4 – 8 hours.  When ready to make crostini drained off excess liquid (reserve liquid for a cocktail)

Make Crostini

• Preheat broiler. 
  Brush each side of each piece of bread with the olive oil.  Place on a baking sheet and place under the broiler.  When browned on one side flip and brown the second side.  Remove from the oven and place on a rack to cool.
• Spread each crostini with ~1 – 2 tsp. mascarpone cheese.
• Top each with a few of the soaked cranberries, some chopped walnuts and sprinkle with orange zest.

Keyword Cranberry

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