Crostini

The idea of crostini is simple--toasted rounds of good bread (baguettes, ciabatta, something with some chew) that have been rubbed with garlic and brushed with olive oil , topped with whatever you like. I like something creamy--cream cheese mixed with feta or chevre and some fresh herbs. It's a nice foil for the crunch of the toasted bread.

You can leave it at that--or you can really have some fun.

Yesterday, I had a single bacon-wrapped filet-mignon in the freezer. (The kind that come in little two packs and are actually not all that expensive). I coated both sides of the steak with a peppercorn and garlic rub and then pan fried it in a little butter and olive oil until it was medium rare. I let it cool slightly and then cut it in half. I think thinly siced each half against the grain. I laid a strip of beef atop the cheese mixture, topped that with a slice of roasted tomato and a few chopped chives. That one steak made enough appetizers for 5 people (two crostini each), and they were delicious!

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't splurge on small things. Pair a budget meal with an extravagant appetizer and you can still feel luxurious.

Besides, what was I going to do with a single steak?