Strawberry Bruschetta

Usher in the warm days of spring and summer with Strawberry Bruschetta. This refreshing mixture of nectarine, grape tomatoes, strawberries, and basil are served over baguette slices with a nice slather of goat cheese.

 Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 nectarine, diced
• 1 cup quartered grape tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (12-oz.) French bread baguette
• 1 (10.5-oz.) goat cheese log, softened

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Stir together strawberries, nectarine, grape tomatoes, basil, minced shallot, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, freshly ground pepper, and salt.
3. Split baguette in half; cut each half crosswise into 4 equal pieces.
4. Spread cut sides of bread with goat cheese. Place bread pieces on a baking sheet, and bake 10 to 13 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from oven, and top with strawberry mixture. Cut into 2-inch slices.

*Chef Notes: I also used baguette rounds (sliced baguette). Made a great appetizers.