Snacktime: Apple Crostini with Whipped Ricotta

This is a sponsored post. While I was compensated monetarily, all opinions are my own. 

If your house is like my house, snacktime is important. Whether it’s a second breakfast around 11 am or a bedtime snack around 11 pm (I’m a nightowl), I like a little something to nibble on while I work or binge watch a current favourite show (lately, it’s Broadchurch). These crostini made with Cosmic Crisp Washington Apples fit the bill perfectly. Toasted slices of baguette are slathered with a whipped ricotta spread, then topped with crisp and sweet slices of Cosmic Crisps, drizzled with honey and garnished with toasted walnuts. 

Simple to prepare and a treat to eat, these little nibbles are a grand way to showcase the delicious Cosmic Crisp apple. Crispier and sweeter than other apple varieties, the Cosmic Crisp was classically bred by the Washington State University tree fruit breeding program and is non-GMO. Tree fruit breeders spent over 20 years cross-pollinating, tasting and testing, ensuring the Cosmic Crisp would be naturally developed into a delicious, non-GMO apple. These apples grow on orchards in Washington State, near the Columbia River where the days are warm and nights are cool. There’s also a Canadian connection because the creator of the Cosmic Crisp is retired WSU professor Dr. Bruce Barritt of Kelowna, BC. Besides being delicious, the Cosmic Crisp is naturally slow to brown, making it ideal for cheese plates and crostini like I prepared. If you have picky eaters that won’t eat “brown” apples, this is the apple for you. A cross between ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Enterprise’, Cosmic Crisp apples are sweet, large, and juicy with a remarkably firm and crisp texture. You can even hear the snap when you bite into it!

These crostini come together in mere minutes, and are pretty versatile to make depending on what ingredients you have on hand. I know many of us are trying to avoid going to the grocery store too often. If you don’t have baguette, any toasted bread will do. I’ve used a variety of whole grain breads and all are delicious. If you don’t have walnuts, use toasted pecans, almonds, even pumpkin seeds. Cottage cheese can also be used in place of ricotta, just use a variety with a higher fat content, and drain off some of the liquid before blending. Great news! Cosmic Crisp apples are available across Canada at a variety of retailers, and are best when stored in your refrigerator’s crisper. Whether you eat them out of hand, or try baking or cooking with them, I’m sure you’ll love the Cosmic Crisp as much as I do!  

Cosmic Crisp Crostini with Whipped Ricotta and Honey Drizzle

8 slices baguette

2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1 tsp lemon zest

pinch cinnamon

pinch salt

1 Cosmic Crisp apple, cored and thinly sliced

1 Tbsp honey

1/4 cup toasted walnuts 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway. Remove from the oven and let cool. 

2. In a small food processor or mini chopper, combine the ricotta, lemon zest, cinnamon and salt. Process until very smooth. 

3. Generously slather each slice of baguette with the whipped ricotta. Top with slices of Cosmic Crisp apple, drizzle with honey, and top with toasted walnuts. Serve immediately. Serves 3-4 as a snack. The recipe can be doubled or even tripled depending on the number of people you are feeding.