Cognac-Flavoured Crostini

My eldest son had a pot-luck party with his High school friend last night. He was requested to bring some garlic bread for the occasion. Naturally, he had to turn to his mother for assistance.

After giving it some thoughts, I suggested to him that instead of the normal garlic bread, why don't he bring crostini instead. I came across an interesting yet simple recipe on crostini from a very talented food blogger, The Little Teochew not too long ago. I had bookmarked it but have yet to give it a try. So.. this is just the perfect timing. Following the recipe I prepared the garlic flavored oil and sliced the baguette for my son. He will bring the ingredients to the potluck party to grill them so that they get to eat them fresh! Of course, I guided him and made him practice how to do it the night before. It was a hit and according to my boy, the crostinis were snapped up as soon as they were out from the oven. I prepared 4 baguettes for them( there were 20 of them)!!!

Cognac Flavoured Crostini (thanks Little TeoChew)

Ingredients

• 1 baguette
• 4-5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 knob of butter
• 2 clove garlic (sliced/smashed)
• 1 tbsp cognac (or vodka)
• sea salt
• ground black pepper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200C.
2. Slice baguette into 1/2" thick pieces and lay out them on a tray.
3. In a bowl, combine olive oil, butter, garlic and cognac, and microwave on high for about 2 minutes (so that the flavor of the garlic is infused into the oil). The butter should have melted by then, Stir well.
4. Brush both sides of all the baguette slices generously with the flavored oil.
5. Toast in the oven for slightly over 1 minute, or when tje start turning crusty and golden brown. Don't take your eyes off them! The bread should still be soft, chewy and pliable in the centre.
6. Take the tray of crostini out of the oven, sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
7. Serve immediately.

It is so easy to make and the taste is heavenly. I can see myself making them again in the very near future!!!