Description
A recipe for Beef Crostini With Balsamic Drizzle

Ingredients

• 2 boneless beef top loin (strip) steaks (about 1-1/4 pounds) or 4 tenderloin steaks (about 4 ounces each), cut 1 inch thick
  
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  
• 1-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
  
• 12 slices thin white sandwich bread, crusts removed
  
• 1-1/2 teaspoons coarse grind black pepper
  
• Salt
  
• 4 ounces garlic-herb cheese spread, slightly softened
  
• Prepared balsamic syrup*
  
• 24 small arugula leaves

Preparation
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Combine Parmesan cheese and flour in small bowl; toss to mix well. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle Parmesan mixture evenly into 8-inch circle on baking sheet. Bake in center of 350°F oven 6 to 8 minutes or until melted and light brown. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet, then remove to wire rack to cool completely. Break into 24 irregular-shaped pieces. Set aside.

2. Cut each bread slice diagonally in half. Place in single layer on baking sheet. Bake in 350°F oven about 6 minutes or until lightly toasted but not brown. Set aside.

3. Press pepper evenly onto beef steaks. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook top loin steaks 12 to 15 minutes (tenderloin steaks 10 to 13 minutes) for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally. Carve steaks into thin slices; season with salt.

4. Meanwhile, spread 1 teaspoon garlic-herb cheese onto each bread piece; top with 2 to 3 steak slices. Drizzle balsamic syrup over beef; top with Parmesan crisp and arugula leaf.

*Available in the dressing aisle next to the vinegars in large supermarkets and specialty stores. If not available, balsamic syrup can be prepared by combining 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons molasses in medium saucepan; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook about 10 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 1/4 cup. Balsamic syrup may be stored in airtight container in refrigerator.

Cook's Tip: Parmesan crisps may be made 1 day in advance and stored in airtight container.

Nutrition
no information available

Serves
Makes 24 appetizers

Variations
no information available