Chef's Secret: Chef Lynn Crawford’s delish Xmas app will impress any guest

This chutney-topped canapé will sate hungry mouths until holiday dinner is served

“Creamy burrata is one of my all-time favourite cheeses,” says star Food Network chef Lynn Crawford. “It’s incredible with bread still warm from the grill and topped with this delicious, easy-to-prepare chutney.” Chef notes that she first discovered white balsamic vinegar — a key ingredient of the chutney — while travelling through Italy. She has been hooked on the stuff ever since. “It adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavour to the chutney — perfect for a party canapé.”

 

Burrata crostini with tomato chutney  

Serves 4

Ingredients    

For the sweet and sour tomato chutney

  • 4 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 2 sprigs oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon’s grated zest
  • 1⁄2 cup honey
  • 1⁄2 cup white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1⁄2 tsp mustard seeds 
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1⁄4 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 vanilla bean, split

For the crostini and burrata 

  • 1 clove garlic, peeled
  • 4 slices rustic bread (about 3⁄4 inch/2 cm thick)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 oz burrata
  • 1⁄4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 4 basil leaves, torn
  • to taste, sea salt
  • to taste, pepper

 

Preparation

Make the sweet and sour tomato chutney at least one day ahead so it has plenty of time to marinate. If desired, you can swap out the burrata for mozzarella or another soft cheese like a brie or Camembert.

Prepping the chutney
1. Put the tomatoes and oregano in a large bowl.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the remaining chutney ingredients; stir together with a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and pour over the tomatoes and oregano. Stir to combine. Cool to room temperature, then cover and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Prepping the crostini
1. To serve the crostini, gently crush the garlic clove and rub over one side of each of the bread slices. 
2. Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil. Toast the bread on a grill or in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and crisp on both sides. Transfer to a platter.
3. Break the burrata roughly with your hands and divide it among the toast slices. Spoon some of the tomato chutney over the cheese and garnish with the pine nuts and basil. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper and serve.

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