Fig and Blue Cheese Crostini

Who knew you could freeze crostini? Well you do now. This recipe works brilliantly and I am sure many other toppings will work just as well - and will follow shortly, I am really really excited about this idea. These make ahead canapés are so simple, just slices of bread brushed with olive oil, covered in a delicious topping and frozen. Great for all the outside entertaining we are all desperate to enjoy.

Ingredients - makes 12

1 small baguette

2 small slices Parma ham, cut across the short side into 6 or more strips (omit for vegetarian version)

50g blue cheese (I used Roquefort but Stilton would work for a vegetarian version)

1 or 2 figs, cut in half and each half cut into small slices

Olive oil

To finish

Honey, regular or truffle honey (mine is from The Truffle Limited)

Tiny fresh thyme sprigs

Salt and pepper

Method

Slice the baguette into slices approximately 1 cm thick.

Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil.

Generously spread the blue cheese over each slice, completely covering the bread.

Drape a strip of Parma ham on top, followed by a couple of slices of fig.

Open freeze at this stage or cook on a non stick baking sheet at 200° for 8 minutes (or until the bread has turned golden and crisp).

To cook from frozen, cook at 200° for 10 minutes.

Decorate each cooked crostini with a tiny sprig of fresh thyme, a small drizzle of honey and season to taste.