Double Cranberry Crostini

Ingredients

•   Cranberry-Ginger Chutney (below)
• 1/3  cup dried cranberries
• 6  ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), softened
• 2  tablespoons chopped pecans, toasted
• 1  teaspoon finely chopped, peeled fresh ginger
• 1  teaspoon lime juice
• 1  16-ounce loaf baguette-style French bread
• 4  ounces thinly sliced smoked turkey or ham
•   Fresh herbs (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare Cranberry-Ginger Chutney; transfer to a medium bowl and let stand about 1 hour or until completely cool. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place dried cranberries in a small bowl; add enough boiling water to cover. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Drain well.

2. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in drained cranberries, pecans, ginger, and lime juice; set aside.

3. Slice baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place on a very large baking sheet. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or just until edges start to brown. Cool slightly. Cut smoked turkey into about 30 pieces to fit on bread slices. Spread bread with cranberry-cheese mixture. Top with turkey. Dollop with Cranberry-Ginger Chutney. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs.

4. Cranberry-Ginger Chutney: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/3 cup dried apricot halves, chopped; 1/3 cup golden raisins; 2 tablespoons finely chopped, peeled fresh ginger; 2 tablespoons cranberry juice; 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Cook, uncovered, for 3 to 4 minutes more or until cranberries pop, stirring occasionally.