Algerian Orange Mint Pesto Crostini

Ingredients

Orange Mint Pesto:
• 1 cup mint leaves
• 1 cup parsley
• 1 cup cilantro
• 1 small bunch chives
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. red chili flakes
• 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 3 tbsp. balsamic glaze (I actually used balsamic vinaigrette)
• 2 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 tbsp. lemon zest
• 3 slices bread
• 1/3 cup drained Dole mandarin oranges (reserve juice)
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp. pine nuts
Crostini:
• French baguette, sliced thin
• Gruyere cheese, sliced
• Plum tomatoes, diced

Instructions

Pesto:
• Combine mint leaves, parsley, cilantro, chives, cumin, red chili flakes, salt, pepper, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, bread and mandarin oranges in a food processor. Pulse for 2-3 minutes, until a thick mixture is formed. If the mixture seems too thick, add some of the reserved mandarin orange juice until it's a pesto like consistency. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and pine nuts.
Crostini:
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Slather the pesto on slices of the baguette, top with cheese.
• Place in oven for 3-5 minutes, until cheese has melted.
• Top with tomatoes.
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