Ham, Gorgonzola and Pear Crostini

Ingredients: 1 8oz. package finely chopped ready-to-eat ham (about 2 cups)
1 8oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 15.25 ounce can Bartlett pears in heavy syrup, drained and finely chopped
1/3 cup (3ounces) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/4 cup sliced green onion
1/2 teaspooon seasoned pepper
1 loaf French bread or 3 or 4 French sandwich rolls
1/3 cup olive oil
Green onion slices for garnish

Method:
Combine ham, cream cheese, pears, cheese, onion and pepper: refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend.

Slice French bread into 1/4 inch slices.  Place in single layer on a baking sheet. Brush both sides of each slice with some of the olive oil.

Bake at 375F (190C) for 6 minutes per side or until toasted and golden brown.  Remove from oven to cool on wire rack. 

When ready to serve, spoon about 1 tablespoon ham mixture on each toasted bread slice.  Garnish with green onion slices.

Makes 36 to 40 Appetizer servings

Garnish:
On the side of the cream fraiche place a fresh herb such as a chive and then sprinkle with pure 23 karat gold sprinkles.

Tip: Blini are small, yeast-leavened, buckwheat pancakes that originally come from Russia. Classically they are served with sour cream and caviar or smoked salmon.