Holiday Appetizers: Herb Mushrooms and Toast Points

As you open up your home for the holidays, it's good to have some easy to put together nibbles when guests get hungry in between meals or when they drop by for a quick drink. And you of course, want your guests to be happy! Well...this very simple recipe will do the trick. The herb mushrooms are rich with flavor and taste absolutely decadent, but are guilt-free as they are just sauteed in extra-virgin olive oil.  Guests can choose to spread goat cheese on the toast points or only go for the mushrooms. Either way, they won't be disappointed.

This recipe is also great to make for a large scale holiday cocktail party. And the beauty is....you don't have to spend time assembling. 

Herb Mushrooms and Toast Points 

Ingredients: 

• 6 slices of multi-grain bread, cut in fours 
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 1 scallion, mined 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 
• 1 1/2 pounds of mushrooms (I used sliced bella mushrooms for this recipe, but shitake, cremini, porcini, oyster, or mixed are all delicious) 
• 2 tablespoons chopped thyme 
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
• 1 teaspoon chopped marjoram 
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or more 
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper 
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives 
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 
• 3 - 6 ounces soft goat cheese log 

Instructions: 

For Toast Points: 

1. Pre-heat broiler to 400 degrees. 
2. Place sliced bread on a baking sheet. 
3. Brush or drizzle olive oil on both sides of the sliced bread, using about two tablespoons. 
4. Sprinkle garlic powder on the front side. 
5. Place under broiler for about 3 minutes or until golden brown. 
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool. 

For Mushrooms: 

1. Heat remaining olive oil in a medium to large skillet. 
2. Once warm, add garlic and scallions, cook until fragrant (about 3 minutes). 
3. Add mushrooms, thyme, rosemary and marjoram, salt and pepper. 
4. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and slightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. 
5. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. 
6. Adjust the seasoning to taste. 
7. Toss in chives and parsley.

Plate the toast points separately and place on a large platter along with the mushrooms and goat cheese log. Garnish the goat cheese log with some parsley and chives. Add a spoon and spreader so guests can help themselves. Enjoy!

Makes: 8 servings