Sweet Pear & Goat Cheese Crostinis with Schär

Raise your hand if you know someone with Celiac disease?! I do! Before my mid-20s, I had never heard of the disease and was shocked to learn about the severity of it. Since then, I have made a conscientious effort to respect others’ dietary restrictions and educate myself as to the different ways I can accommodate them in the kitchen. That’s why I am teaming up with Schärto bust myths surrounding Celiac disease and offer up a divine gluten-free appetizer recipe for those hosting days when you need to be mindful. Who’s up for a bite of my Sweet Pear & Goat Cheese Crostinis?!

If you have been diagnosed with Celiac disease or suspect you might have it, please speak with a doctor to get all the proper information you need. But in the meantime, let’s clear up some common myths about Celiac disease, shall we?! First up, “People who have a gluten-sensitivity have Celiac”. Wrong! Unlike people with a gluten-sensitivities who just have stomach discomfort when eating gluten, people with Celiac actually incur a much more serious reaction, intestinal damage. Second up, “Celiac disease means you have a gluten allergy”. Nope, this one is wrong too. Celiac is actually an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. This in turn causes the damage to the small intestine and lack of nutrient absorption from the foods. Last common myth, “You may never know if you have Celiac because there is no way to diagnose it”. This is a very wrong and dangerous myth. Celiac disease is easily diagnosed through a simple antibody blood test, most commonly the tTG-IgA. This is why, if you have a suspicion of something off with your body, it is important to see a doctor and have them determine the best course of treatment.

If you are diagnosed with Celiac disease, there is good news! The gluten-free food market has a plethora of fabulous food options. That is why I love Schär products! Not only are they safe for those on a strict gluten-free diet, they are also delicious. It doesn’t feel like a compromise (or utter torture) to replace regular gluten products with Schär. And on that note, let’s get to cooking in the kitchen…

Sweet Pear & Goat Cheese Crostinis

Time: 15 min.; Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Schär Gluten-Free Baguette
• 2.5 oz. goat cheese
• ¼ c. blackberries (halved)
• ¼ c. blue agave syrup
• ½ pear (sliced)
• 1 tbsp. fresh basil

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the Schär Gluten-Free Baguette into ½” slices.
3. Pour 2 tbsp. of the agave syrup on a rimmed plate and quickly dip the bottom of each baguette slice in the syrup. Place on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Lightly spread goat cheese on top of each slice.
5. Then top with a pear slices and blackberry halves.
6. Place in the oven and bake approximately 8 minutes.
7. Remove and let cool. Drizzle with the remaining agave syrup and garnish with fresh shredded basil. Enjoy!

This is a ridiculously easy (and deceptively sophisticated) recipe to whip up. In fact, let me show you just how easy… First, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, slice the Schär Gluten-Free Baguette into ½” slices.

Pour 2 tbs. of the agave syrup on a rimmed plate and quickly dip the bottom of each baguette slice in the syrup. Place on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Lightly spread goat cheese on top of each slice.

Then top with a pear slices and blackberry halves. Next, place in the oven and bake approximately 8 minutes.

Remove and let cool. Drizzle with the remaining agave syrup and garnish with fresh shredded basil. And that is it! You have yourself one killer, Celiac-friendly appetizer my friend!

Make sure to check out all of Schär’s delicious products and have them on hand for some yummy munching.