APPLE AND PEAR CROSTINI (for twelve)

For the pear crostini:

6 thin, diagonal slices of baguette

2 firm ripe pears, cut into vertical quarters, cored and thinly sliced

cheddar cheese, thinly sliced or shaved with a vegetable peeler

3 tablespoons jalapeno pepper jelly

fresh mint to garnish

For the apple crostini:

6 thin, diagonal slices slices of baguette

2 firm ripe apples, cut into vertical quarters, cored and thinly sliced

gouda cheese, thinly sliced or shaved with a vegetable peeler

3 tablespoons fig preserves

fresh basil to garnish

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1.   Preheat your oven to 350*.

2.  For the pear crostini, equally divide the cheddar slices between 6 baguette slices.

3.  For the apple crostini, equally divide the gouda slices between 6 baguette slices.

4.  Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5.  For the pear crostini. Top the cheddar with 3 thin pear slices, then dollop with the jalapeno pepper jelly.  Garnish with mint.

6.  For the apple crostini. Top the gouda with 3 thin apple slices, then dollop with the fig preserves.  Garnish with basil.

7.  Serve immediately.

adapted from a Harry and David advertisement