Summer Party Crostini

Oops here's one I forgot to post: my summer party snacks!

Crostini - slices of crispy toasted bread - are the simplest party snacks, but can look fantastic with tasty toppings. You can buy mini crostini for not very much, but they're so simple to make fresh yourself.

Crostini

It's actually better using bread bought the day before, so crostini are a great way to use up baguettes that are past their best. Made in advance, they'll keep for a few days.

• 1 French stick/baguette 
• Olive oil
• Sea salt for sprinkling

1. Preheat your oven to about 190C.
2. Take your French stick and cut into thin, equal slices.
3. Brush each side of each slice with oil and place on a baking tray.
4. Put into a hot oven for about 8 minutes until they're slightly browned and crunchy. 
5. Cool, sprinkle with salt and put them in an airtight box.

Mediterranean Feta & Vegetable topping

• Red peppers
• Courgettes
• Pesto
• Feta cheese

1. Take whole red peppers and put under a hot grill til the skins blacken, then turn until the whole skin is charred. Place in a plastic bag and seal.
2. Slice some courgettes, toss in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil then grill til lightly browned on both sides.
3. Take the peppers from the back when slightly cooled, peel off the skin and remove the stalk and seeds.
4. Cute the peppers lengthways into strips about 1cm wide.
5. Chop the feta cheese into small sticks about 2cm long
6. To assemble, spread pesto on the bread, add a slice of courgette, a strip of pepper, and top with feta.

Blue Cheese, Mint & Nectarine topping

The sweetness of the nectarines is a great match for the salty richness of cheese. Use a Stilton or any rich creamy blue cheese.

• Nectarines
• Blue cheese
• Fresh mint

1. Cut each nectarine in half, remove the stone, an cut into thin wedges (about 12 slices per fruit depending on size).
2. Chop the mint and toss the mint and fruit in a bowl.
3. Spread each crostini with blue cheese, then top with a slice of nectarine