Recipe: Balsamic-Drizzled Strawberries with Honeyed Goat Cheese and Crostini

4 servings

Crostini:

- ½ French baguette

- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or olive oil

Berries:

- ½ cup balsamic vinegar

- 1 cup strawberries, hulled

- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Cheese:

- 4 ounces soft goat cheese, room temperature

- Freshly ground black pepper

1. To prepare crostini: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the baguette half on the diagonal into 12 slices. Spread onto a baking sheet and brush with melted butter or olive oil. Toast on center rack 7 minutes. Turn crostini over and bake 2 to 3 minutes longer. The crostini should be golden brown. Let cool. Store in an airtight container up to 24 hours.

2. To prepare berries: Pour the vinegar into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer until reduced to about ¼ cup. Remove from heat and let cool. If making ahead, pour into a clean, airtight jar.

3. Cut the hulled berries lengthwise into slices. Combine in a bowl with sugar and set aside 30 minutes at room temperature.

4. To prepare the cheese: Mix the softened goat cheese with honey and a little fresh black pepper. Set aside 30 minutes.

5. To serve: Spoon a little cheese on each crostini and place 3 along the edges of each of 4 plates. Spoon the strawberries into 4 small, shallow bowls and drizzle a little balsamic syrup over each. Place on the plates. The berries can either be spooned on top of the crostini or eaten separately.

Data per serving:

Calories 267

Protein 8.06g

Fat 12.70g

Carbohydrates 29.95g

Sodium 288mg

Saturated fat 7.97g

Monounsaturated fat 2.87g

Polyunsaturated fat 0.42g

Cholesterol 28.30mg

From "The All American Cheese and Wine Book: Pairings, Profiles & Recipes" by Laura Werlin