Crostini takes a Southern twist where toasted bread is replaced with grits. We top these bite-size appetizers with Caramelized Apples and Onions.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups cooked grits, cooled
• Caramelized Apples and Onions
• 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded fontina cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425°.
2. Sift together first 4 ingredients into a bowl.
3. Whisk together milk and next 2 ingredients in another bowl; add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened.
4. Whisk in grits. Spoon into greased 12-cup muffin pans (1 Tablespoon per cup).
5. Bake, in batches, at 425° for 12 to 15 minutes or until crostini is golden.
6. Immediately remove from pans to wire racks; cool 30 minutes.
7. Reduce oven to 375°.
8. Meanwhile, prepare Caramelized Apples and Onions.
9. Place crostini on a baking sheet. Top each with 1 teaspoon Caramelized Apples and Onions; sprinkle with cheese.
10. Bake at 375° for 8 minutes or until cheese is melted.
11. Sprinkle with thyme; serve immediately.

Caramelized Apples and Onions

The sweet savory flavor of Caramelized Apples and Onions pair well with pork or as a filling inside Grits Crostini.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups diced sweet onions
• 2 cups diced Granny Smith apples
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Preparation

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; add onions, and sauté 10 minutes or until golden.
2. Stir in apples; sauté 10 minutes or until caramel colored.
3. Remove from heat; stir in salt and freshly ground pepper.