The Garden & Saucier
Rhubarb Chutney on Goat Cheese Crostini
The Strategy:
Simmering tart rhubarb and sweet raisins with a cinnamon stick and bay leaves yields a thick, syrupy chutney with a beautiful balance of flavors. Spreading tangy, creamy goat cheese on crispy crostini provides the perfect rich base for the sweet-and-sour fruit topping. Garnish each bite with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal finish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, peeled and diced, about 1 cup
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup honey
- ¾ pound rhubarb, trimmed and cut into ½-inch pieces, about 2 ½ cups
- ½ cup golden raisins
- Goat cheese, room temperature
- Crostini
- Chopped fresh mint
Instructions
Rhubarb Chutney
- In a large skillet with lid, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in ground mustard, coriander, cumin, red pepper flakes and vinegar. Add the bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Season with salt. Pour in the honey.
- Add the rhubarb and raisins.
- Stir everything together.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid and simmer until the rhubarb is soft and falling apart, about 10 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and discard the bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
- Cool the chutney to room temperature.
Assembly
- Spread goat cheese onto some crostini.
- Spread chutney over top.
- Sprinkle with a bit of fresh mint.
The Heart of the Table
These crostini are a delightful celebration of spring, combining creamy, tangy, and sweet elements in one beautiful bite. The gorgeous pink hue of the rhubarb chutney brings a cheerful elegance to the table, making everyone feel excited to start the meal.
The Art of the Host
- a sleek, solid brass Japanese double jigger with inner measurement lines
- a platinum-grade non-stick silicone baking mat for consistent heat conduction
- a professional-grade forged high-carbon steel carving knife
- a large, hand-thrown ceramic serving platter with an organic rim
- a well-seasoned 12-inch cast-iron skillet with dual pour spouts
Neighborly Grace
- THE PRESENTATION: Arrange the topped crostini on a marble serving board, scattering a few fresh mint leaves and edible blossoms around the board.
- THE POUR: A chilled glass of dry French Rosé or a sparkling mineral water infused with fresh cucumber and mint.
- THE VIBE: Morning Sunroom. Soft sunlight illuminates the table, creating a quiet, elegant setting for enjoying the fresh, spring-inspired appetizer.