Jalapeño jelly crostini

Executive chef Gene Hall
Preserve, Winters

Preserve’s jalapeño jelly, made from a family recipe, pairs with whipped farmer’s cheese and crisp grilled bread for a perfect balance of heat, creaminess and crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

1 baguette
6 oz. farmer’s cheese
1 (8-oz.) jar Preserve’s jalapeño jelly

Instructions

Slice baguette diagonally into even pieces to create elongated crostini. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, whip cheese until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a serving bowl. Add desired amount of jelly (approximately 2 oz.) and mix gently to combine.

For grilling, place baguette slices on a preheated grill and cook until lightly charred on both sides. For toasting, arrange slices on a baking sheet and bake in a 325-degree oven for 5 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Spread a generous layer of the cheese and jelly mixture on each slice of bread. Serve immediately as an appetizer or snack.

Serves 2 to 4