Lucky Appetizers to
Ring in the New Year 7
Perfect for any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day gathering, these tasty bites offer
a twist on the typical preparation of traditionally lucky ingredients.
Compiled by Lyndsay Fogarty
Roasted Grape Crostini with Lemon Ricotta and Thyme
Courtesy of The Fresh Market
Consuming 12 grapes when the clock strikes midnight
is a New Year’s tradition in Spain, Portugal and many
Latin American countries. Each grape represents
a month in the year ahead — sweet grapes mean
that month will be good while sour grapes signify
an unlucky month. Add this appetizer to your party
spread as a nod to this tradition.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups Gum Drop Grapes or Black Seedless Grapes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for
crostini
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta
• 1/2 heaping teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 Rustic French Batard, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
• Flaky sea salt, for serving
• Honey, for serving
24 Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2019
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a rimmed sheet pan
with parchment paper. In a medium sized bowl,
combine grapes, olive oil and thyme and season with
salt and pepper to taste. Spread out into an even
layer on sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes. While
grapes roast, combine ricotta and lemon zest in a
small bowl. Season with a good pinch of salt and
several cranks of the pepper mill; stir to combine.
Once grapes are finished roasting, remove from oven
and set aside to cool; decrease heat to 350° F. Place
baguette slices on a separate sheet pan and drizzle
generously with olive oil. Bake until golden brown,
about 5-10 minutes. To assemble the crostini, spread
each baguette slice with ricotta, top with roasted
grapes, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, freshly ground
pepper, a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme leaves.
Source: www.TheFreshMarket.com
COURTESY OF THE FRESH MARKET
/www.TheFreshMarket.com