1largesweet potato or 1 cup canned sweet potato puree
4cupswater
1cuppolenta
1/3cupgrated parmesan
2tablespoonsbrown sugar
2tablespoonssoftened butter
saltto taste
extra virgin olive oilfor brushing
For the kale pesto:
1bunchlacinto kaletough stems removed, roughly chopped, washed, and drained slightly
3tablespoonstoasted walnutsroughly chopped*
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
1clovegarlicminced
1/4cupgrated parmesan cheese
6tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
salt and pepperto taste
For the ricotta:
1cupricotta cheese
1/4cupgrated parmesan cheese
1/2teaspoononion powder
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
salt and pepperto taste
2slicesthick cut baconcooked according to package instructions, crumbled
Instructions
Prepare the polenta:
If you're not using canned puree, pierce the sweet potato all over with a fork and place in the microwave. Cook for 8-10 minutes on high, or until the potato is very tender. When it's cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Set aside.
Lightly grease a 12"x8" rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
Cook the polenta according to package instructions. When it's done, stir in the sweet potato puree, parmesan, brown sugar, softened butter, and salt, to taste. Pour the polenta mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly -- it will be about 1/2" thick. When it's cooled slightly, place in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until chilled.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Remove the polenta from the refrigerator and cut out rounds using a 2" round biscuit cutter, cutting them as close together as possible. Spread the remaining "scraps" of polenta in the baking sheet and repeat, cutting out as many rounds as possible. Blot the polenta rounds with a paper towel if necessary to remove excess moisture. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crisp and lightly golden brown.
Prepare the kale pesto:
Place the kale in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the lemon juice, garlic, agave syrup, and parmesan cheese, and pulse to combine. With the machine on, add the olive oil through the feed tube in a steady stream and process until incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste, and process once more. Set aside.
Prepare the ricotta:
Place the ricotta, parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper, to taste in a small bowl and stir to combine.
Assemble the crostini:
Place the polenta rounds on a serving platter. Place a dollop of the ricotta mixture over each round, followed by the kale pesto and top with the crumbled bacon. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
*Toast the walnuts in an single layer in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes or until fragrant.
*I used agave syrup to cut the bitterness of the kale. The agave can be substituted with honey or granulated sugar.
The ricotta and kale pesto may be made in advance and stored in air tight containers in the refrigerator.
The polenta rounds may also be made in advance and left at room temperature in an air tight container, but they will need to be crisped in the oven for a few minutes before serving.