Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta

So pretty on a strawberry plate!

I have seen several recipes for this in magazines and decided that I needed to try this out. I used my French baguettes that I had made recently, found  here.  I used goat cheese, but I'm thinking that cream cheese or marscapone would be a good substitute. This makes for a fun, summertime appetizer that's tangy, yet sweet with the hint of basil.  Here's my version:

 Ingredients:                                                           

Strawberry plates are from Pier 1

1 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
8 (1/2-inch thick) slices French baguette, sliced diagonally
1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil                                          
Pinch kosher salt
1/2 cup goat cheese, divided


In a small saucepan, bring vinegar and sugar to boiling. Cook until reduced by half. Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature.

In a medium bowl, stir together balsamic reduction, strawberries, basil and salt. Let stand at room temperature.

Preheat broiler to high. Place baguette slices on sheet pan and broil until toasted, about 1-2 minutes each side, watching carefully!! Remove pan from broiler.

Spread one tablespoon of goat cheese on each slice of baguette. Top with balsamic strawberries, and if desired, garnish with additional basil leaves.

A dear friend made this centerpiece for me as a birthday gift several years ago.

Strawberry pitcher is from a gift card to Sur La Table

I made the strawberry topper from a vintage tablecloth, which is backed with a red polka dot fabric and trimmed with jumbo black rick rack.  I used mason jars for ice tea topped with black gingham napkins that I made.

White plates are Mikasa English Countryside; flatware is by Cambridge from Homegoods.

I am sharing this with:

Mix It Up Monday!

On the Menu Monday

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday

The Bunny Hop

Let's Dish!

Full Plate Thursday

Tablescape Thursday

Foodie Friday

Weekend Potluck

Seasonal Sundays