Beach Bacon and Raspberry Bites

The Waller family is enjoying a week at the Outer Banks and I threw together this appetizer for happy hour (5:30 p.m. sharp!). The recipe was inspired by a similar crostini creation that my mom and I watched from Giada on the Food Network this morning.

Start with a fresh baguette. Slice thinly and toast in the oven with olive oil drizzled on top.

Meanwhile, work on the toppings. The first layer is a mix of goat and cream cheeses with crushed garlic and lemon (it actually works a little better if you prep this ahead of time and let sit for a couple hours for the garlic and lemon to settle with the cheeses). The second layer is a thin dallop of raspberry (or fig) jam with a little Tabasco. I mixed about 1/2 c. jam with 4 squirts of Tabasco and spread this across all of the crostinis. Then spoon a mixture of carmelized diced red onions with crispy bacon bits. Garnish with freshly julienned basil.

Enjoy with cocktail hour!