LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2018

Starters Whether you’re serving appetizers before dinner or small bites for a casual cocktail party, these delectable variations on crostini offer a great way to highlight seasonal ingredients. BY ERIC VELLEND  •  PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREN KEMPER FROM BITE-SIZE CANAPÉS to small open-face sandwiches, it’s hard to think of a more dependable appetizer than crostini. We’ve got a superb selection of “little toasts” to cover all your entertaining needs this summer.     Now that farmers’ markets are gaining momentum, there is seasonal produce for topping baguette slices, including shaved asparagus and crunchy pine nuts with homemade mascarpone, or the classic combo of crushed sweet peas and succulent seared scallops.     Highlighting the crostini’s unparalleled versatility, we offer easy variations within a number of recipes. For pan con tomate , Spain’s answer to bruschetta, there is a trio of topping options: crisp bacon and arugula; salted anchovies and basil; or shavings of nutty Manchego. Enjoy Mortadella Crostini simply draped with a thin slice of raw fennel, or try more ambitious adornments of pistachio pesto and artichokes.     We’ve even ventured out of the breadbox with grilled naan, whipped eggplant, spice- roasted chickpeas and cilantro. Whether you make one recipe or try them all, experience why crostini are toasts with the most. for

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