Sunday, November 4, 2012

Butternut Squash Crostini


We as a society have weird rules governing behavior.  For instance, we have deemed the tuxedo, suits, ball gowns, and cocktail dresses as formal wear.  Why?  Why are these things inherently "dressy?"  Why can't pajamas be worn for formal occasions   I'm a huge proponent of comfort.  And why are shoes with a heel deemed dressy?  That just makes me mad.  I'm not super short, but I do veer into short territory, so I know people probably think I should wear heels.  But I refuse, just like I refuse to wear blue jeans because I find them to be uncomfortable!  The same goes for food.  A sandwich is always relegated as a quick food - lunch or dinner on busy nights, but pile some things on just one slice of tiny bread and it is apparently dressy, something that can be served as a fancy appetizer.  I suppose the obvious answer has to do with its tininess, the fact that it's so easy to snatch from a tray of hors de'oeurves. You know what, though?  I say, forget the rules.  They're just as good as an afternoon snack or at home on a weeknight!  

Ingredients
sliced baguette
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
vanilla salt
white pepper
roasted butternut squash puree (see note)
vanilla salt
brush of maple syrup
minced rosemary
thinly sliced carrots
toasted walnuts
arugula
sliced orange

Instructions
Note: I roasted a whole butternut squash in a 425 degree oven for about 90 minutes to 2 hours, then scooped out the seeds and stringy parts and ran the flesh through a food processor.

To toast the walnuts, I place in a dry skillet over medium high heat and toss until they have developed a golden brown color.

Heat oven to 375.  Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet (I used a Silpat to line mine).  Pour olive oil in a bowl, and brush the oil on each slice.  Sprinkle a bit of vanilla salt and pepper on each.  Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden-brown.

Spread butternut squash puree on baguette slices.  Sprinkle with a bit of vanilla salt.  Brush a bit of maple syrup on top.  Sprinkle rosemary and arrange a layer of sliced carrots.  Sprinkle walnuts and then place some arugula leaves on top.  Drizzle with freshly squeezed orange juice from a slice of orange.  

26 comments:

  1. Forget formalities, I just want a huge tray, full of of these crostinis! (Or is it crostini?)

    Heels are horrid. I'm only 5'2", but I live in flats. (The bottoms of all my pant legs are scarred for life because of it.) ;)

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  2. What a bright, creative way to make crostini!

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  3. I love all these flavors no matter how they're presented!

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  4. Well these little crostini DO look dressy to me. But I would also be totally fine eating them sitting at home alone on a boring and decided UNdressy afternoon!

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  5. Had to pin these ... They look fabulous :-)

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  6. These really are cute but also have a classy, dressy look about them. Love this idea with the squash puree, very creative. Have a lovely week.

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  7. What a simple and delicious appetizer! perfect for Fall and a wonderful idea for Thanksgiving dinner!

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  8. Love these flavors! I'm thinking these would make a beautiful side dish or appetizer for Thanksgiving!

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  9. What a beautiful entree my friend :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  10. I agree, open-faced sandwiches like this one are perfect for any time of day and occasion! Some rules are just meant to be broken!

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  11. I'll trade ya some of mine for yours...YUMMY! these look great, y'all!

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  12. This is such a beautiful open sandwich with autumn flavors!

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  13. Gorgeous crostini! I love butternut squash. This weather is perfect for this little treat. Yum!

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  14. Love the various layers of flavors you've got here!!The butternut squash and orange sound so good together :)

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  15. Love the various layers of flavors you've got here!!The butternut squash and orange sound so good together :)

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  16. I can count the number of times I've worn heels this year on 1 hand. I mean real heals, not my dansko clogs. I love the flavors you have going on here, the maple syrup and the rosemary sound like a perfect pairing for the butternut squash!

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  17. I love that you paired the roasted butternut squash with arugula. These look AMAZING! I'm definitely bringing these to a potluck I'm going to soon. I guarantee they'll be a hit. Awesome recipe! :)

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  18. These do look fancy, smancy and delish!!! But I'd be just as happy to eat some for an afternoon snack :)

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  19. Oh I love butternut squash, what a fab crostini!

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  20. Hi Jenn,
    What a wonderful pics of Butternut Squash Crostini you have here.
    Perhaps you're interested to submit your food photos on a food photography site that has tagline "Food Photography that will make you hungry" :) http://www.foodporn.net
    It's free to submit, free to join, and a lot of members can enjoy your creation!

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  21. Love the flavors and your presentation! Just lovely! :)

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  22. Oh these are delightful Perfect for a Thanksgiving appetizer, I just might have to make...Love the colors!
    LL

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  23. Wow, I love this idea! The colors, the flavors... Yummy!

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  24. Lol, I'm short and can't live without heels. People joke that they've never seen me in flat and I honestly don't wear flat shoes unless they're sneakers :) I'm loving the idea of these crostini - they look perfect for an Autumn sort of Thanksgiving'y app.

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  25. Hi I'm new and checking out your blog....It was one from the big giveaway. I liked the name Home Skillet...It caught my eye....thanks.

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  26. That looks like heaven! Can’t wait to try it :D

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