Lavender Honey Goat Cheese Crostini

Ingredients:

For the Lavender Honey:

• 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds

• 1/2 cup honey

For the Crostini:

• 1 French baguette

• 8 ounces of fresh goat cheese

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, peeled and cut in half

• Fresh lavender sprigs (for garnish)

• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lavender Honey:

   • In a small saucepan, combine the dried culinary lavender buds and honey.

   • Heat the mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will infuse the honey with the lavender flavor.

   • Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the lavender honey to cool. Once cooled, strain out the lavender buds using a fine mesh strainer and set the honey aside.

2. Toast the Baguette:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds.

   • Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush one side with olive oil.

   • Toast in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy.

3. Rub with Garlic:

   • As soon as the crostini comes out of the oven, rub the cut sides of the garlic clove on the toasted side of each slice for a subtle garlic flavor.

4. Assemble the Crostini:

   • Spread a generous amount of fresh goat cheese on the garlic-rubbed side of each crostini.

5. Drizzle with Lavender Honey:

   • Drizzle a teaspoon of the lavender honey over each goat cheese-covered crostini. You can adjust the amount of honey to your taste.

6. Season and Garnish:

   • Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper over the crostini to balance the sweetness of the honey.

   • Garnish with a small sprig of fresh lavender on each crostini to enhance the lavender aroma and add a decorative touch.

7. Serve:

   • Arrange the Lavender Honey Goat Cheese Crostini on a platter and serve immediately.

These Lavender Honey Goat Cheese Crostini make a delightful and elegant appetizer that combines the floral notes of lavender with the creaminess of goat cheese and the sweetness of honey. They are perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated gathering. Enjoy!