Looking for a holiday appetizer that will dazzle your guests? Look no further than this Holiday Crostini with Strawberry Chia Jam. Thanksgiving is hands-down my favourite holiday. I get giddy from pulling on a warm sweater, cozying up on the cooler days and of course, enjoying the seasonal fruits and vegetables. But incorporating these foods into a festive get-together with loved ones is the highlight of it all.

holiday-crostini-with-strawberry-chia-jam

If you are planning on hosting some friends and family this holiday season and want to impress them with a flavourful appetizer that tastes like you put in more effort than needed, look no further. I partnered with California Strawberries [Ad] to create this Holiday Crostini with Strawberry Chia Seed Jam. You only need 8 of these sweet berries to make up a whole serving of fruit so consider this snack jam-packed!

In this recipe, the California strawberries provide a refreshing take on a classic appetizer while providing nutritional benefits. Packed with fibre and an excellent source of vitamin C, California strawberries are a tasty and convenient way to boost these nutrients. What better way to welcome the cooler months and the holiday season?!

All you need for this simple Strawberry Chia Jam is:
  • Strawberries
  • Chia seeds
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract

Once the chia seeds get combined with the juices of the berries and are heated, they start working their magic! As they cool, they create a gel-like texture, giving us that perfect jam consistency. With a bit of flavour from the vanilla extract and sweetness from the maple syrup, this may be your new favourite (and easy-to-make) jam!

holiday-crostini-with-strawberry-chia-jam
Holiday-Ciostini-with-Strawberry-Chia-Jam

Holiday Crostini with Strawberry Chia Jam

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Author: Ashlen Leonard
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Ingredients
 

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen California Strawberries, chopped
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 fresh French baguette
  • Cheese of your choice
  • Fresh sprigs of thyme

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan on medium-high heat, combine strawberries, maple syrup, and chia seeds and bring to a low boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir frequently. The jam will thicken as the berries break down but you are welcome to further mash the berries with a stirring spoon as you go.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Transfer the jam to a glass container and allow it to cool. Placing it in the fridge or freezer will help if you are on a time crunch!
  • Slice the baguette into desired thickness and lightly toast each piece using a toaster.
  • Top the toasted baguette with a slice of cheese and spread an even layer of Strawberry Chia Seed Jam on each slice of baguette. Sprinkle fresh thyme on top serve for your guests. Enjoy!

Notes

Serve with an assortment of cheeses and meats or with a variety of vegetables with dip.

California strawberries are readily available right now. Organic California strawberries are available at select stores. 

For more information on California strawberries, follow them on social media:

holiday-crostini-with-strawberry-chia-jam