Sorry no suggestions to salvage them, but when I make crostini, I usually just put them on a cookie sheet in the oven, not fry them. Though they can burn that way too! Gotta watch closely !

If they don't taste too done, and are just too hard, put the topping, the fig paste, on early and they should soften a bit. Or if your air there isn't very dry, just leave them on the counter. Or, if you dare, use a ”dry brush” like in painting, with a pastry brush dampened with a little water, wine or melted butter, but not enough that it's drippy, and paint on a thin layer. Or, use a thin (like floursack) tea towel, lightly dampened but not wet, and just drape it over them for awhile. Worse comes to worst, hand everyone an extra cocktail napkin and say, ”Beware! These are super crunchy!”

Croutons for salad! Or make French onion soup.

Suzieque, thissounds delicious. What plllog said.

“…hard, put the topping, the fig paste, on early and they should soften a bit.”

My thought, too.

Thank you all. I'll try putting the fig paste on now, in the hopes that it'll soften them a bit. And yes, I'll just do them in the oven next time.

Elmer, I thank you, too, although I was looking for a way to use them for the intended appetizer, not a way to use them otherwise.

I do appreciate everyone's input.

Petalique, they are delicious. I've made them before but never messed up the baguette slices before. So - take a baguette and slice into 1/2" pieces (I sometimes cut those pieces in half to make them a bit smaller). Spread with fig paste, top with crumbled bleu cheese (or goat cheese), and top with slivered fresh basil.

Yummy!

And guess what ..... our guests for tonight just cancelled!!! So, we've got ribs from the smoker (courtesy my husband), wonderful potatoes, asparagus/cheese torte, a marvelous dessert, and yummy appetizers. And adult beverages!

Anyone want to come to supper?

LOL! Isn't it the way of things? I applaud the invitation, and maybe this is a perfect time to call some delightful people you don't see enough of and see if they're up for an impromptu dinner. :)

I''m sorry to hear your friends are on their deathbeds, because that's about the only reason they should have cancelled from such a marvelous sounding dinner!