August 21, 2024

Tomato-Goat Cheese Toasts

Say au revoir to ordinary bruschetta and welcome a French twist to the classic dish. This recipe takes inspiration from the scenic Loire Valley, renowned for its castles and goat cheese (aka chevre). Its creamy tanginess perfectly complements ripe cherry tomatoes. Finished with pine nuts, basil and mint, this elevated yets imple hors d'oeuvre is sure to be a hit at your next soirée.

DRINK WITH: Vinalia x Domaine Poiron-Dabin, Les Clefs du Secret

INGREDIENTS

1 pint of cherry tomatoes, quartered
2/3 cup good olive oil, divided
1 fresh baguette
10 oz fresh goat cheese
2 tbsp fresh mint, julienned
2 tbsp fresh basil, julienned
1 clove of garlic, peeled
2 tbsp pine nuts
Fresh ground black pepper
Kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix the quartered tomatoes, 1/3 cup of olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1⁄2 tsp pepper. Mix in the julienned basil and mint. Set aside.

Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Lay the slices in one layer on a sheet pan, brush each with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides. Bake the toasts for 8 to 12 minutes, until they are browned and crisp.

While the toasts are still warm, rub one side with the peeled garlic clove.

To assemble the toasts, spread each slice of bread with a generous amount of goat cheese. With a slotted spoon, place the tomato mixture on top. Put the toasts on a serving platter and drizzle them with olive oil. Scatter with the pine nuts and serve warm or at room temperature.

Bon appétit!

SERVE WITH...

Vintage: 2020

Grape Variety: 54% Berligou, 19% Grolleau Noir, 19% Cot de Loire (Malbec), 8% Cabernet Franc

Region: Val de Loire IGP, France

Drink If You Like: Cabernet Franc, Chinon, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Chianti

Alcohol: 12.5%

A quintessential summertime wine, this is the rare red that with a little bit of a chill can help cool you off in the warmer months. Fresh raspberry and red currant flavors mix with violet and earthier tones. And while the smallest part of the blend, the Cabernet Franc packs a punch with its signature white pepper notes.

Note: Trying drinking this Parisian bistro-style and serve with a chill! This light-bodied blend is the perfect warm weather red, and can actually be quite refreshing after some time in the fridge. If that’s not your speed, don’t worry – it’s also excellent at normal cellar temperature!