Grape and Prosciutto Crostini

<h3>Grape and Prosciutto Crostini </h3>

Serves 6-8<br><br>

<b>Ingredients</b><br>

1 cup small red and green grapes, halved <br>

80 grams goats cheese <br>

6 thin slices of prosciutto <br>

½ cup wild rocket leaves <br>

1 tablespoon good quality balsamic vinegar <br>

1 ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil <br>

½ tablespoon honey <br>

Salt and cracked pepper to taste <br>

1 loaf of good quality sourdough bread, thinly sliced (brushed with oil and toasted on a hot pan)

<br><br><br>

<b>Method</b><br>

Bring a chargrill or heavy-based frypan to medium/high heat <br>
Slice bread thinly on an angle and brush with olive oil on both sides <br>
Place bread slices in batches on hot pan and press down with a spatula<br>
Once golden and crisp, turn and repeat process, removing crisped bread slices onto a platter <br>
To make the dressing, lightly whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper to taste, set aside <br>

Place a half slice of prosciutto on each grilled bread slice. Top with a little goats cheese, a few wild rocket leaves, and 2-3 green and red whole grapes <br>

Drizzle honey and balsamic dressing over the crostini and serve immediately <br><br>

Tip: You can also grill the bread slices in advance, store everything separately in air-tight containers and compile once at your picnic or BBQ. <br>

Tip: Crush a clove of garlic into the olive oil and sit for 20 minutes or up to a day. Brush the bread slices with the garlic oil for extra flavour.<br><br><br>

<b>Australian Table Grapes Consumer Fact Sheet</b><br><br>

Australian Table Grapes - Common Varieties:<br>

Fresh grapes come in three basic colours: green (or white), red and blue/black. There are many table grape varieties grown in Australia, but the majority of the production is based on Thompson Seedless, Menindee Seedless, Crimson Seedless and Red Globe. <br><br>

Thompson Seedless: small to medium yellow-green oblong shaped grape with a soft berry skin, firm juicy pulp and a sweet flavour, making them crisp and crunchy on the bite. Available from January to May. <br>

Menindee Seedless: light green to yellow oval-shaped grape with deliciously sweet, firm flesh and no seeds. Available from November to February. <br>

Crimson Seedless: light red, oval-shaped grape with a thick skin, firm crisp flesh and a sweet neutral juicy flavour. Available from February to May. <br>

Red Globe: pinkish-red grape that is very large, round and seeded. The berries have a crisp skin, fleshy pulp, and a very sweet taste. Available from December to May. <br><br>

Australian Table Grapes - Health and Nutritional Benefits:<br>

Grapes have low GI certification from the Glycaemic Index Foundation meaning they're a great source of long-lasting energy and a perfect pick-me-up when you're feeling peckish. <br>
The glucose and fructose in grapes are good sugars which provide a great natural source of energy. <br>
They are fat free, cholesterol free and have very low sodium <br>
They are 80% water to keep you hydrated throughout the day. <br>
They contain lots of fibre to help cleanse and detoxify the system and are a good source of Vitamin C which helps maintain a strong immune system. <br>
Grapes are also rich in phytonutrients, such as resveratrol, quercetin, anthocyanin and catechin. Evidence indicates that these powerful antioxidants prevent heart disease by reducing the build-up of plaque in coronary arteries, as well as inhibiting the growth of some cancers. <br>
They also contain Vitamin B6, vital for a healthy nervous system. Red grapes boast the same beneficial antioxidants as red wine – but without the alcohol. <br><br>