Oh my gosh, have you seen the beautiful California apricots yet?  They are overflowing at the stores right now, and they are gorgeous! Substantial in size with just the right amount of firmness.  I think all the rain we had plumped them up and they are delicious!

This recipe is perfect for those warm summer nights that call for something sweet.  It’s super easy to whip up and the outcome is completely worth it.  I used a cream cheese/ricotta mixture for the base, but you could easily substitute feta or goat cheese if you’d like.  The apricots nestle into the cheese and the basil adds a fabulous twist.  The quaint toasts are lightly drizzled with honey to bring it all together and voila, an instant fresh summer appetizer….

Start by cutting a french baguette on the diagonal and toasting slightly under the broiler

Whip up the cheese mixture and mash a handful of raspberries to create a faux jam

Add the raspberries to the cheese and fold in

Spread a dollop of the cheese mixture onto the cooled toast

Top with sliced apricot

Add thinly sliced basil leaves and a raspberry to the top

Drizzle with a bit of honey

The yum factor does not stop!  The crunchiness of the bread and the softness of the cheese, along with all the fruit flavors going on is so refreshing.  It’s my new favorite appetizer to serve dinner guests and it can easily be yours too!  It only take a few minutes to prepare…

Let’s make some!  Here is the recipe for ya…

Check out these Apricot Blackberry Jewels too!

Or you might even like these Blue Cheese and Walnut Topped Figs