Crostinis à la Zespri Gold

Crostinis à la Zespri Gold with Kiwis, Papaya, and Lychees Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crostinis à la Zespri Gold is a delicious and refreshing appetizer that combines the sweetness of Zespri Gold kiwis with the tropical flavors of papaya and lychees. This recipe is perfect for a summer gathering or as a light snack.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian crostinis, which are typically made with toasted bread topped with savory ingredients. The addition of Zespri Gold kiwis adds a unique and unexpected flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

4 Zespri Gold® kiwis
1 small papaya
50 g lychees
2 tsp lemon juice
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 ciabatta
about 100 g buttermilk cottage cheese

How to prepare

Peel the papaya and lychees, and remove the kernels. Peel the Zespri Gold® kiwi and cut all into very small cubes.
Mix the fruit with the lemon juice and maple syrup.
Slice the ciabatta, spread it with the cottage cheese, and arrange the fruit mixture on top. Serve garnished with Zespri Gold® kiwi slices as desired.

Variations

Use different types of fruit, such as strawberries or mangoes, for a different flavor profile.
Swap out the cottage cheese for goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the fruit into small, uniform cubes for a more visually appealing presentation.

- Use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor.

- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite fruits or cheeses.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crostinis à la Zespri Gold as a light appetizer before a meal or as a snack at a party. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a fruity cocktail.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the ciabatta bread adds a crunchy texture to the crostinis, while mixing the fruit with lemon juice and maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Zespri Gold kiwis, you can use regular kiwis or another type of tropical fruit. You can also use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fruit mixture ahead of time and assemble the crostinis just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the crostinis on a platter and garnish with extra Zespri Gold kiwi slices for a beautiful presentation. You can also drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Crostinis à la Zespri Gold pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as white wine, champagne, or a fruity cocktail. It also goes well with other appetizers like bruschetta or cheese platters.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover crostinis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crostinis à la Zespri Gold contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crostinis à la Zespri Gold contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crostinis à la Zespri Gold contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Crostinis à la Zespri Gold contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Zespri Gold kiwis are a great source of vitamin C, while papaya provides vitamin A and lychees offer potassium and copper.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the cottage cheese. It may also contain gluten from the ciabatta bread.

Summary

Crostinis à la Zespri Gold is a nutritious and flavorful appetizer that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crostinis à la Zespri Gold is a delicious and refreshing appetizer that combines the sweetness of Zespri Gold kiwis with tropical fruits and creamy cottage cheese. This recipe is perfect for a summer gathering or as a light snack.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit the local farmer's market to pick up some fresh ingredients for dinner. As I strolled through the market, I came across a stall that was selling the most beautiful golden kiwifruit I had ever seen. The vendor told me they were called Zespri Gold kiwifruit, and they were sweeter and more flavorful than the traditional green variety.

Intrigued, I bought a few of the Zespri Gold kiwifruit and headed home to experiment with them in the kitchen. As I peeled and sliced the fruit, I was struck by their vibrant color and juicy sweetness. I knew I wanted to create a dish that would showcase the unique flavor of these kiwifruit, and that's when I remembered a recipe I had heard about for Crostinis à la Zespri Gold.

I had never made Crostinis à la Zespri Gold before, but I was excited to give it a try. I began by toasting slices of baguette until they were golden and crispy. Then, I spread a mixture of goat cheese and honey on each crostini, creating a sweet and tangy base for the Zespri Gold kiwifruit slices.

Next, I carefully arranged the kiwifruit slices on top of the goat cheese mixture, making sure to showcase their beautiful golden color. To finish off the dish, I drizzled a balsamic glaze over the crostinis, adding a touch of acidity to balance out the sweetness of the kiwifruit.

As I took my first bite of the Crostinis à la Zespri Gold, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The creamy goat cheese, sweet honey, juicy kiwifruit, and tangy balsamic glaze all worked together in perfect harmony. I knew I had stumbled upon a winning recipe, one that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

I couldn't wait to share my discovery with my family and friends. I hosted a dinner party later that week and served the Crostinis à la Zespri Gold as an appetizer. Everyone raved about the dish, commenting on the unique combination of flavors and the beautiful presentation.

From that day on, Crostinis à la Zespri Gold became a signature dish of mine. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. The recipe was a reminder of the serendipitous moment at the farmer's market when I stumbled upon the Zespri Gold kiwifruit that would inspire me to create something truly special in the kitchen.

Over the years, I have continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it even more delicious. But no matter how many times I make it, the memory of that summer day at the farmer's market will always stay with me, a reminder of the joy and inspiration that can come from trying something new and unexpected in the kitchen.

And so, whenever I make Crostinis à la Zespri Gold, I am transported back to that moment of discovery, grateful for the serendipitous events that led me to this delicious recipe. It is a reminder that inspiration can come from the most unlikely of places, and that the joy of cooking is in the journey of experimentation and creativity.