Butternut Squash Crostini

Ingredients

• 8 slices baguette toasted
• 2 cups butternut squash diced peeled
• 2 cloves garlic sliced
• 2 tablespoons honey 
• 4 servings kosher salt and pepper freshly ground
• 0.3 cup olive oil extra-virgin
• 4 slices pancetta thin
• 0.3 teaspoon pepper flakes red
• 8  sage leaves 
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar 

Equipment

• frying pan
• paper towels
• slotted spoon

Directions

1. Cook the pancetta in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning once, until crisp, about 5 minutes.
2. Drain on paper towels, then break each piece in half.
3. Add the olive oil to the skillet.
4. Add the sage and fry until crisp, about 20 seconds.
5. Remove the sage with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon oil from the skillet.
6. Increase the heat under the skillet to high.
7. Add the squash and season with salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 7 minutes.
8. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 1 more minute, then stir in the vinegar and honey. Spoon the squash mixture onto the baguette slices; top with the fried pancetta and sage.
9. Photograph by Anna Williams