The holidays are right around the corner, which also means that entertaining and holiday parties are to follow. This year I am trying to simplify our approach to the holidays (key word is try) to really enjoy them instead of giving into the stress that can takeover the holiday spirit. That's what lead me to developing this roasted grape and thyme crostini appetizer. It is so easy, elegant and festive, and full of flavor!

During the Fall and Winter months, I find myself roasting everything from meat and poultry to vegetables but I had never tried fruit this time of year. My husband was working from home the day I was developing this recipe, and at first he thought I was a little crazy for throwing grapes into the oven. That is, until he tried them :)

I love how the slower cooking process really brings out all the amazing flavors of the grapes, while softening them and making them the perfect accompaniment to the toasted baguette and soft goat cheese it is supported by. One of the other things I love about the main ingredient roasting in the oven, is that it frees up your time to do other things and allows the oven to do all the work for you.

Once I took the grapes out of the oven to cool slightly, I sliced up a baguette into about 1/2 inch slices, brushed a little olive oil on them and tossed them back into the oven for a few minutes to lightly toast.

These crostini's are so easy and fun to assemble! I spread goat cheese on the toasted baguette, followed by the roasted grapes, a drizzle of honey, and topped off with Maldon salt and chopped thyme. The flavor combination of the salty and sweet is out of this world!

Since my husband was home, he got to be my hand model (pictured above) and taste tester. There were many laughs going on behind the camera as we worked to get the right shot of the honey drizzle :) The honey not only provides a slight sweetness to this appetizer, but it also looks so elegent.

Whether you are entertaining, looking for an appetizer to bring to a party, or just enjoying the holiday season at home, I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy appetizer!

Roasted Grape and Thyme Crostini

Ingredients:

4 cups red grapes, washed
1 Tbs. olive oil (plus more for brushing)
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup goat cheese
Sliced baguette (24 slices), lightly toasted
Honey for drizzling
Maldon salt

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Coat a large glass baking dish with olive oil so the grapes don't stick.
Combine the grapes, oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, thyme and pepper in a medium bowl. Spread the mixture out in one layer in the glass baking dish. Roast, stirring occasionally until the grapes have wrinkled and caramalized. About 50-55 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Slice the baguette and lightly coat with olive oil. Bake under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Spread the goat cheese on the baguette, dividing evenly. Top each one with the grape mixture. Drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with chopped thyme and Maldon salt. Serve on a platter and enjoy!