Crostini is always an easy appetizer to whip up with whatever you have on hand. The goat cheese base in this crostini is incredibly versatile. I love to top it with cooked or fresh berries, but there are many other things you can do with it. For example, you can add capers and dill to it and top with smoked salmon. You can also top it with sliced roasted red peppers or simply fresh tomatoes, basil and balsamic. This easy, impressive and delicious appetizer is perfect for a party any time of year!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups blackberries
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1-2 large sprigs of fresh sage
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup goat cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 whole baguette, cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 2-3 tbsp Olive oil

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400F
• In a medium saucepan over low heat, cook the blackberries, maple syrup, sage and pepper for 10-15 minutes, until they become a jam like consistency. If your blackberry mixture has too much liquid, mix together 1/2 tsp cornstarch with 1 tsp water in a separate bowl and add to the jam, whisking it in very well. Keep cooking another minute or two and it will thicken. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the goat cheese, cream, lemon zest, salt and pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
• Arrange slices of bread on a lined baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until golden and lightly toasted.
• Top each slice with about a teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture and then some of the blackberries.
• Enjoy!