Sweet & Savory Crostini: Your New Go-To for Aurora Entertaining
Let’s be honest: between the kids’ soccer games at Murphy Park and the endless I-225 commute, weeknight hosting in Aurora needs to be low-effort, high-impact. Enter Stef Ferrari’s new flexible crostini formula from her latest cookbook. It’s the "little black dress" of appetizers—works for a spontaneous Friday happy hour on the patio or a planned potluck at the Stanley Marketplace.
The base is dead simple: crusty baguette slices, brushed with olive oil and toasted until golden (pro tip: grab a fresh loaf from Rosenberg’s Bagels or La Baguette on Colfax for the best texture). The magic happens in the layering. Start with a generous smear of whole-milk ricotta—look for the local tub at Sprouts or Natural Grocers. Drizzle with Colorado honey (we’re partial to Bee Squared from nearby Berthoud), then pile on whatever fruit the season dictates.
Right now? Think macerated strawberries from the Aurora Farmers Market (Saturdays at the Municipal Center) with a crack of black pepper. Come July, swap in grilled Palisade peaches and fresh thyme. Autumn calls for roasted grapes and walnuts. Finish with flaky salt and a glaze of balsamic.
Why it works here: It scales effortlessly for two or twenty, uses ingredients you can grab on a single Southlands run, and looks restaurant-quality without the chef hours. Pair with a crisp Colorado white from Balistreri Vineyards and you’ve got the easiest "welcome to the neighborhood" spread on the block.
Got a favorite seasonal combo? Drop it in the comments.
