What to do on the first warm day of spring?  Eat outside!

For Friday field trip today, I am taking you out to my backyard to witness the first outdoor hors d’oeuvres of the season!

We all know the best outdoor appetizers are yummy ones that require very little preparation. Manchego and fig crostini fit the bill perfectly! The crostini, serving as the base for this snack, are easy to make and can be made in advance. The rest of the prep is super simple. These little delights can even be assembled right at the table – a wonderful thing, since casual is the buzz word for outdoor entertaining!

You don’t need to go to a fancy gourmet shop for fig spread. I find it right in the deli section of the local grocery store.

Manchego & Fig Crostini

• Fig spread (I used Dalmatia)
• Manchego cheese, shaved or sliced thin with a serrated knife.
• Baguette, cut into ½” slices
• Extra virgin olive oil, salt & pepper

Cut a baguette into ½” slices. Brush with oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper on both sides of each piece. Place on baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1 – 2 minutes until golden, then flip over and broil the other side. Spread a generous amount of fig spread on each piece and top with shavings of Manchego cheese.

I hope you will try this crostini – a great first alfresco hors d’oeuvre of the season! Just be warned that this taste combination can be addicting! I couldn’t stop eating these! What started out as a way to use up some Manchego cheese, ended up as dinner! Thanks to my friend Linda for suggesting the flavor combination!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at House of Hipsters, Nancherrow, Thoughts from Alice,  The Shabby Nest, and French Country Cottage.