Goat Cheese Crostini with Strawberry Bruschetta

Strawberries are still around here on the East Coast.  Before they' re gone, I wanted to share our favorite strawberry dish recipe from this year with you.  It's a great little seasonal appetizer if you're having company or even just for the heck of it.  I made it for us the other night just because.  The strawberry, balsamic and basil all balance well, and their taste is emphasized when combined with a slightly tangy goat cheese.  The key to this app is good bread and balsamic.

 

Goat Cheese Crostini with Strawberry Bruschetta 

Ingredients  (Yields 6 crostini)
6 large, fresh strawberries (or 10 smaller ones), diced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon white sugar
8-10 large, fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
6 slices of a baguette, 1/4 inch thick, lightly toasted
4 ounces goat cheese (the spreadable kind, not the crumbles)






Instructions
1.   Prepare the bruschetta:  Combine the strawberries, balsamic, sugar and basil in a small bowl.  Let sit while preparing the crostini.
2.  To prepare the crostini:  Lightly toast each piece of bread. Spread each toasted piece with a thin layer of goat cheese.
3.  Top each crostini with approximately one tablespoon of the bruschetta mixture.
4.  Enjoy!