Ingredients:
- 12 slices whole wheat baguette, sliced ½" thick
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 cup California Giant Strawberries, diced small
- ¼ cup basil, thinly sliced
- 1 shallot, minced
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush tops with 1½ teaspoons of the olive oil. Bake for about 1-2 minutes or until bread is toasted and golden brown.
- Combine the strawberries, basil, shallot and remaining olive oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- To make balsamic reduction: Place the vinegar in a small sauce pan over medium-high heat. Simmer the vinegar until it has reduced by about ⅔ its original volume.
- To serve, top the toasted bread slices with the strawberry mixture and crumbled goat cheese, if using, then drizzle with balsamic reduction.
Notes:
Extra balsamic reduction can be refrigerated and used as a salad dressing, a condiment for sandwiches or even a topping for frozen yogurt.
