Quick Appetizer: Radish, Boursin, and Chive Tartines

Can you tell that we're wild about radishes right now? They're such a refreshing vegetable in the springtime, with their pleasant crunch and gorgeous color, creamy inside and scarlet outside. We threw together this very, very quick appetizer last weekend for some guests. We were subliminally inspired by Elizabeth's afternoon snack suggestion, and these simple little tartines were a big hit.

A tartine is simply an open-faced sandwich, and it's one of our favorite ways to pull together a super-quick appetizer. A side benefit is that a simple tartine, made with good bread, can be carried through into the meal; we didn't even serve bread with the simple spring lunch we made for our guests, except for what remained of these tartines.

We used an inexpensive creamy Boursin cheese spread with a touch of herbs, which was a nice alternative to cream cheese in these tartines.

• More about Boursin cheese

Here are all the ingredients used in these tartines, but without amounts. This is obviously a flexible, open recipe; you can make one or two dozen!

Radish, Boursin, and Chive Tartines

Thinly sliced ciabatta bread
Boursin cheese spread or softened cream cheese
Fresh radishes, washed and dried
Fresh chives, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Spread the bread with the cheese, and cut each slice in half. Cut the radishes in half lengthwise, then slice ultra-thin with a mandoline. Lay a few slices of radish on each bread slice, and sprinkle with minced chives, salt and pepper.

(Images: Faith Durand)

I made something really similar to this, and it was a big hit. I got all the ingredients at the Farmer's Market and it tasted wonderful. I did use cream cheese, then sprinkled a bit of wild arugula which I topped with sliced plums (when they're still tart and not completely ripe) and radishes. I made a simple balsamic vinaigrette that I sprikled over the tartines.

Very, very delicous.

posted by adiaphane on May 26th 2009 at 12:14pm
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Thank you for posting delicious radish recipes! I have just discovered radishes for the first time and I am loving them so much, but I'm not sure how to use them in my cooking and what other foods compliment them. I am definitely going to try this recipe.

posted by Kidding on May 26th 2009 at 1:28pm
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That looks wonderful! I can see doing that with a fabulous butter instead of the boursin, if you're willing to go that route. Butter and radish are best friends.

I'm also on a bit of a radish kick lately - I'd never given them a chance before, and now I'm in love with their peppery kick! Has anyone else tried sautÃ©ing them with some fresh mint? It's delicious, and a bit unusual, since radishes are usually served raw.

http://www.abreadaday.com

posted by eprewitt on May 26th 2009 at 1:52pm
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Oh love. @ eprewitt, I've been eating them with butter so long that the Boursin idea makes me extra happy. Radish is my favorite breakfast vegetable.

posted by cmcinnyc on May 26th 2009 at 3:45pm
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Had this last night with chevre instead of boursin. Delicious. Absolutely delicious.

I think this could also work for pass-around hors d'oeuvres while entertaining, especially if you use wee melba toasts.

posted by kestrel127 on May 28th 2009 at 11:13am
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