Toasted Pesto Rounds {Party Series 8}

Mom preppin' Toasted Pesto Rounds

This is it! ... the last post of the party series from my Mom's wine tasting party.  This last little tidbit of yummy party fare is Toasted Pesto Rounds.  It's basically a basil crostini.  And it's so simple.  Mix up a fresh basil-garlic-Parmesan spread (can you already tell this is going to be good??), slather it on toasted baguette slices, and then broil it until it's melty in the middle and a nice golden brown on the edges.  Pretty easy, isn't it?  And I'll assure you, pretty tasty, too.  Our family doesn't reserve these for just party fare ... we sometimes serve these little toasty bites up as a side.  Use a larger-sized bread instead of baguette, and you have a nice alternative to regular garlic bread.

Tapenade Crostini & Toasted Pesto Rounds

The other treat you see on the party platter is Tapenade Crostini.  I talked about these in this post about making tapenade.  To make these:  spread tapenade on baguette slices, sprinkle on some mozzarella or goat cheese, and top it with a piece of sundried tomato and chopped fresh basil; broil until the cheese is melty.  Another simple one, huh?

Tapenade Crostini ... ready for the broiler

I hope you've enjoyed the party series!  And I hope you've found something to add to your entertaining line-up, or that's sparked an idea for you to try.  I'm looking forward to the next time my Mom and I can spend a couple of days in the kitchen together.  The kitchen is her playground, too!

Toasted Pesto Rounds

Ingredients
1/2 c. thinly-sliced fresh basil leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 c. mayonnaise
24 (1/4"-thick) baguette slices


Directions
1.  Combine sliced basil leaves, Parmesan, minced garlic, and mayonnaise; set aside. (Basil mixture can be refrigerated overnight.)

2.  Arrange bread slices in a single layer on a broiler pan or baking sheet. Broil for about 1 minute until lightly toasted. Remove from oven. 

3.  Turn bread slices over and spread untoasted side evenly with basil mixture. Broil for about 2 minutes or until lightly browned.

NOTE: You can substitute dried basil, if desired. Use a little less than 1/2 cup.

Enjoy!


The {Party Series} Posts:
My Mom Throws a Great Party! {Party Series 1}
Grand Marnier & Spiced Rum Fruit Dip {Party Series 2}
Antipasto Platter with Grape Tomato & Caper Salad {Party Series 3}
Marinated Cheese {Party Series 4}
Mini Mocha-Toffee Crunch Cheesecakes {Party Series 5}
Raspberry Chocolate Truffles & Drunken Cherries {Party Series 6}
Raspberry-Almond, Caramel-Walnut, & Lemon-Coconut Bars {Party Series 7}
Toasted Pesto Rounds {Party Series 8}

Mom preppin' Toasted Pesto Rounds

This is it! ... the last post of the party series from my Mom's wine tasting party.  This last little tidbit of yummy party fare is Toasted Pesto Rounds.  It's basically a basil crostini.  And it's so simple.  Mix up a fresh basil-garlic-Parmesan spread (can you already tell this is going to be good??), slather it on toasted baguette slices, and then broil it until it's melty in the middle and a nice golden brown on the edges.  Pretty easy, isn't it?  And I'll assure you, pretty tasty, too.  Our family doesn't reserve these for just party fare ... we sometimes serve these little toasty bites up as a side.  Use a larger-sized bread instead of baguette, and you have a nice alternative to regular garlic bread.

Tapenade Crostini & Toasted Pesto Rounds

The other treat you see on the party platter is Tapenade Crostini.  I talked about these in this post about making tapenade.  To make these:  spread tapenade on baguette slices, sprinkle on some mozzarella or goat cheese, and top it with a piece of sundried tomato and chopped fresh basil; broil until the cheese is melty.  Another simple one, huh?

Tapenade Crostini ... ready for the broiler

I hope you've enjoyed the party series!  And I hope you've found something to add to your entertaining line-up, or that's sparked an idea for you to try.  I'm looking forward to the next time my Mom and I can spend a couple of days in the kitchen together.  The kitchen is her playground, too!

Toasted Pesto Rounds

Ingredients
1/2 c. thinly-sliced fresh basil leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 c. mayonnaise
24 (1/4"-thick) baguette slices


Directions
1.  Combine sliced basil leaves, Parmesan, minced garlic, and mayonnaise; set aside. (Basil mixture can be refrigerated overnight.)

2.  Arrange bread slices in a single layer on a broiler pan or baking sheet. Broil for about 1 minute until lightly toasted. Remove from oven. 

3.  Turn bread slices over and spread untoasted side evenly with basil mixture. Broil for about 2 minutes or until lightly browned.

NOTE: You can substitute dried basil, if desired. Use a little less than 1/2 cup.

Enjoy!


The {Party Series} Posts:
My Mom Throws a Great Party! {Party Series 1}
Grand Marnier & Spiced Rum Fruit Dip {Party Series 2}
Antipasto Platter with Grape Tomato & Caper Salad {Party Series 3}
Marinated Cheese {Party Series 4}
Mini Mocha-Toffee Crunch Cheesecakes {Party Series 5}
Raspberry Chocolate Truffles & Drunken Cherries {Party Series 6}
Raspberry-Almond, Caramel-Walnut, & Lemon-Coconut Bars {Party Series 7}
Toasted Pesto Rounds {Party Series 8}