Party Canapés: Roast Tomato Crostini

Over the past few weeks, I've given you three different canapés to cover a diverse set of gatherings. This week, I wanted to finish the series off with a one-bite-wonder that should appeal to almost everyone. It's a crisp crostini, slathered with a nutty herbal zaatar spread, and topped with a concentrated burst of sweet umami that lingers far after youve swallowed the bite and moved onto a sip of bubbly.

Although it happens to be vegan, this is a canapé that will appeal to anyone who likes a bite of something delicious. While the dip does contain tofu, the other ingredients mask any trace of the tofu smell, allowing it to work its magic, turning this into a smooth creamy spread, that falls somewhere between an herbed chèvre and hummus, on both taste and texture.

The spice, Zaatar, is a Middle Eastern blend of spices that varies by region, but generally contains thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, and sumac. It's an awesome all-purpose seasoning and condiment that I use on everything from breads to salads to steaks. Za'atar is also the Arabic word for Thyme, so if youre buying it from a Middle Eastern market, be sure youre getting the blend and not just the thyme.

As for the tomatoes, they may not be at their best in winter, but enough time caramelizing in the oven, and even the most pallid tomatoes will come out sun-drenched sweet and flavorful. And that, my friends, is the secret of making impressive canapes, taking otherwise ho-hum ingredients and turning them into delicious bites of food that make you want to go for another.