Pumpkin Crostini with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2

For the pumpkin hummus: In a food processor combine the garbanzo beans including the liquid from the can, tahini, pumpkin puree, lemon juice, garlic, salt and cumin. Process until combined. With the processor running, add the olive oil a little at a time until the sauce is smooth but still thick. Occasionally stop the machine to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula so everything is processed. If it looks like a paste with oil floating in it, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the ice water and pulse again to help it emulsify. Taste, and don't be afraid to add more salt, lemon juice or cumin to your preference. Reserve.

Step 3

For the crostini: Put the butter in small skillet and turn the heat to medium. Once the butter melts, put the sage leaves in the pan and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the sage leaves from the pan with a slotted spoon and reserve.

Step 4

Cover a baking sheet with foil and place the bread slices on the sheet. Drizzle each with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until toasted but soft on the inside, about 3 minutes. Pull the crostini from the oven and carefully rub the top side of each piece with the garlic clove.

Step 5

Top each crostini with about 1 tablespoon pumpkin hummus and a fried sage leaf. Crumble some goat cheese on each, add a few pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.