If you’ve ever been curious about worm composting, then head on over my local NPR’s food blog WFAEats where you can check out an article I recently wrote on just such a topic.
———————————————————————-
Ok, who’s ready for football? I know I am. Having grown up in Wisconsin for the first 21 years of my life, I am a die hard cheesehead through and through. It’s kind of hard not to be when you live in a state like Wisconsin. I still remember the Christmas Eve when my dad packed my brother and me up in the eggmobile (our pet name for my dad’s 80’s wood-paneled station wagon; gotta love it) and drove us up to Green Bay. The Packers were playing the Steelers (coincidence perhaps?) and my dad decided we would scalp a few tickets and catch the game. We were colder than a hairless poodle after a polar bear dive into Lake Michigan on a January morning, but we persevered for the good of the team. Dad finally scraped up three tickets and in we went. Here’s how that game ended:
And in case you’re wondering just what a polar dive is, you can check out this link to a you tube video chronicling this year’s craziness. I’ll stick with my hat and scarf thank you very much.
Let me tell you, cold or not, there is just something so surreal about watching the Packers play at Lambeau Field. The din of the crowd, the music, the orange hunting jumpsuits, the fan next to me with a cheese head sporting a Xmas tree decorated with crushed Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans . It’s so electrifying you hardly even remember that you can’t feel your hands and feet anymore. As an adult, I’ll admit, that I can be a little fair weather on years when we aren’t heading to the big game (I’m much more of a college ball fan than pro most days), but I’ll almost always sneak a peak at the scores, catch a game or two during the season, and when they need it, support them like the true Wisconsin cheesehead that I am.
Which brings me to my next point. In case you hadn’t heard yet (HA) the Packers are going to the superbowl. Which means, this year I’ll be celebrating both the commercials AND the game. And you can’t truly support your team through four quarters of Superbowl madness unless you have a whole lotta beer and a whole lotta good eats. These little guys pack a mighty sized punch into a bite sized portion. Let’s just say I made 12 of them for the two of us while we watched the playoff game and they were gone before the first quarter ended. Yea they’re that good.
Ingredients Needed:
1/2 of a baguette
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
Cumin and Chili Powder for Sprinkling
4 Slices of Bacon
1/3 Cup of Mayo
1/4 Cup of Salsa
1 Ancho Chili Pepper, Chopped
1/2 Cup of Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
1/2 Cup of Arugula Lettuce
1 Tomato, Chopped
1 Tbsp of Cilantro, Chopped
This recipe was scaled for two people, my husband and me. If you are planning to make them for a crowd, I recommend doubling the recipe and using up the whole darn baguette.
Start out by chopping up your baguette into 3/4″ slices.
Brush the olive oil over the top of the pieces and sprinkle them with your cumin and chili powder.
Next up, you’ll mix together the mayo. salsa, and the chili pepper.
Spread your mixture over the top of your baguette bites.
Now it’s time to add your shredded cheese. Don’t be shy, cheese is really good. Trust me, I’m a cheesehead.
Now, take your cheesed up crostinis and throw them into the oven at 350 for about 5 minutes; just long enough to get the cheese good and melted.
While they’re in the oven, grab your bacon and fry it up.
Pull out the cooked up pieces, let them cool and drain, and then cut them into thirds.
Now, take your cooked up crostinis and place a piece of bacon, then the arugula and finally the chopped tomatoes.
Finish them off by sprinkling a couple leaves of fresh cilantro over the top.
Who’s ready for some cheesehead, tailkicking, appetizer eating football?
Southwest BLT Crostini
Ingredients:
1/2 of a baguette
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
Cumin and Chili Powder for Sprinkling
4 Slices of Bacon
1/3 Cup of Mayo
1/4 Cup of Salsa
1 Ancho Chili Pepper, Chopped
1/2 Cup of Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
1/2 Cup of Arugula Lettuce
1 Tomato, Chopped
1 Tbsp of Cilantro, Chopped
Directions:
Start out by chopping up your baguette into 3/4" slices.
Brush the olive oil over the top of the pieces and sprinkle them with your cumin and chili powder.
Next up, you'll mix together the mayo. salsa, and the chili pepper.
Spread your mixture over the top of your baguette bites.
Now it's time to add your shredded cheese. Don't be shy, cheese is really good. Trust me, I'm a cheesehead.
Now, take your cheesed up crostinis and throw them into the oven at 350 for about 5 minutes; just long enough to get the cheese good and melted.
While they're in the oven, grab your bacon and fry it up.
Pull out the cooked up pieces, let them cool and drain, and then cut them into thirds.
Now, take your cooked up crostinis and place a piece of bacon, then the arugula and finally the chopped tomatoes.
Finish them off by sprinkling a couple leaves of fresh cilantro over the top.
Comments
Trackbacks
-
[…] Family Friendly Fridays […]
-
[…] The Hot and Hearty Southwest BLT Crostini […]
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
These crostinis are great appetizers. I love the ingredients you put on them.
Yum!! I’m bookmarking these for Hubby and me, on our next at home date night. Thanks for sharing!!
these look awesome!! and would be great on any Packers Game Day Table, GO PACK GO!! anne (Cheesehead through and throughC
I am not big on football but my dad and hubby are. I sure will make them this for the superbowl. I love your version with all the great combinations. Very briliant.
Have a great weekend!
Love the Packers video and the story. Great stuff Julie. And congrats on those Packers.
A very unique recipe – love the combination of football flavors in an elegant crostini!
Happy Friday.
Wow looks delicious! I love how you gave it a southwest flare. Simple, has a kick of something special. Definitely a great idea for the game!
My two most favorite things, bacon & arugula! These look fantastic, Julie!
crostini are always a great appetizer. I love the look of yours but will leave the bacon out 😛
Have a wonderful weekend Julie, I’ll check later the delicious round-up
LOVE this…may have to make it this weekend!
So easy! (and lots of traditional Mexican ingredients that I can easily find at my supermarket… huge plus!)
i am loving the looks of these julie!
Those look so tasty and delicious! We’d love for you to share your recipe and images at dishfolio.com!
Wow Julie., I think when it comes to football I’d better just nod knowingly & encouragingly, but your certainly talkin’ my language with the crostini my friend 🙂
How fun is this round-up! Thanks for letting us share a link. Your crostini looks amazing & I went with the bacon thing too 😉
Wow, I’m already making my grocery list of ingredients needed to make this. This is absolutely mouthwatering.
These look like they maybe my favorite Crostini topping….can’t wait to try them! Blessings, K
I like the idea of your Family Friendly Fridays. These Southwest BLT Crostinis would be a hit at any party, gathering or serving it as a meal. I luv this idea and presentation. 😉
OMG! I am not a football fan, but I could become one if you served these delicious blts! Yum, Yum!
cheesehead–ha! and you picked the finest of all cheeses (as far as i’m concerned) for this easy and delicious nosh–bravo. 🙂
I have bookmarked this for my hubby whose both a bacon and cheese fan…too too good.I love such fuss free things for snacking.
I am looking super forward to the EATING part of the game… Your recipe sounds like a great treat. Julie, you’ve been creating some amazing recipes. So anxious to try all that I’ve bookmarked!!! Have a wonderful weekend…
I love making little crostinis/bruschettas for parties…they are always so popular. I never have leftovers! These southwest crostinis looks delicious. I hope you are having a good weekend with friends and family. Thank you for sharing with me tonight! Many blessings in the week to come.
I keep looking at these thinking I have got to make these… They amazing.
I was so mesmerized I forgot the word “look” between they and amazing… rightfully so I’m sure.
These are absolutely beautiful! I love that there is bacon on them. 🙂 True football food. Go Pack!
mmm I’ve never met a BLT I didn’t like and these look like a great party food!
Stopping by from SITS and just have to tell you– your blog makes my mouth water and my stomach grumble. And I still have an hour-and-a-half til lunch.
Those look delicious! I am obsessed with cheese (and have never lived in Wisconsin) so I feel like I should route for the Packers. I have no strong feelings for either team…but I’ll route for the Packers if I can have some of these please!
these look scrumptious great treat for the game weekend.
Great idea…LOVE IT. I can taste is already. If we go to a superbowl party I am making these for sure.
Your recipes look so delicious!! Can’t wait to try them!
I’m ever the cheesehead too, and this is right up my street! Love the way you built them up! Delicious!!
The food looks delicious, but more importantly I loved the photos. The depth of field and the composition is great 🙂
These look incredibly good. We don’t have the Superbowl over here but I think I’m going to have to make up an excuse to have these very soon.
Crostini is the best Italian appetizer. It tastes very good. I will surely prepare them for my family.