PROSCIUTTO GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI AND A QUIET HOSPITALITY
Sometimes we may feel so busy, the space in our lives for big efforts like hosting big parties and such just isn’t there. I know, I’ve been there before many times. But I still make room for simple living and hosting, which for me becomes a daily rhythm of reaching out to others. I think about others who say, “hospitality is not my gift.” I get it, but I do believe we are all called to be hospitable, in whatever way that is.
QUIET HOSPITALITY
Hospitality for me has become very quiet at times, like the other day when I hosted my 2 friends who have known me for over 30 years. One friend is 71, the other 69. I cherish and love these ladies. When we get together, it’s like a day never passed, in between the quiet months of not being in touch with one another.
I served a healthy salad, and made a small plate of this yummy Prosciutto Goat Cheese Crostini.
It can also be as quiet as sitting with a cup of tea and reading a book (learning and growing, so you have more to give out), or calling a friend and chatting on the phone. Last week I talked with my childhood friend for an hour, and just yesterday a very good friend in Portland. I texted her after the call … 1:03 was the time on my phone. I said, “well worth the hour.” :) I love how you can bring hospitality with you where ever you go!
I long for the hours to sit and talk with friends. It’s something needed, something to be woven into the daily fabric of our lives. My mother showed me this, in the way she lived her life.
INGREDIENTS:
1 fresh baguette (cut into 12 slices)
1/8 cup olive oil
Sea salt or kosher salt
4 ounces goat cheese, plain, at room temperature
12 tablespoons marmalade (or honey)
6 slices prosciutto, each cut in half
12 fresh arugula leaves
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.
Slice twelve 1/2-inch slices of bread from the baguette. Place on a baking sheet, and brush generously with the olive oil. Sprinkle a little salt on each slice. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until crisp and slightly golden. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
Spread some goat cheese on each crostini. Spread about a tablespoon marmalade or honey on top of the goat cheese.
Fold the half slices of prosciutto and place on top of each crostini.
Lay a fresh arugula leaf on top of each crostini. Serve!
