Strawberry & Balsamic Glaze Crostini - Pair with They'll Miss This

 

Strawberry & Balsamic Glaze Crostini

This appetizer is elegant, sophisticated, and a little unexpected. The mix of sweet and tangy could reflect the bittersweet nature of the lyrics. It’s perfect for a gathering, showing that you're thriving and enjoying life, perhaps even hosting, without the person who realized "it was just the chase."

This elegant and delightful Strawberry & Balsamic Glaze Crostini is a perfect appetizer or light snack for Lola, highlighting her love for fresh strawberries and offering a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This recipe contains no ingredients Lola dislikes, such as cream cheese or any type of chocolate.

Yields: 12-16 crostini Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes (for glaze & crostini) Chill time: 15-20 minutes (for glaze, optional)

Equipment:

• Large baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Small saucepan

• Small bowl (2 of these)

• Whisk or spatula

• Knife

• Cutting board

• Measuring cups

• Liquid measuring cup

• Measuring spoons

• Pastry brush (optional)

• Spoon

• Oven

• Wire rack

Ingredients:

For the Crostini:

• 1 baguette, about 10-12 inches long

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Balsamic Glaze:

• 1/2 cup good quality balsamic vinegar

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (Lola likes strawberries!)

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, if strawberries are not very sweet)

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or mint, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Element (Optional, for Lola):

• 1/2 cup vegan ricotta cheese (e.g., almond or cashew-based) OR 1/2 cup plain non-dairy yogurt (e.g., coconut or oat-based, ensuring no cream cheese)

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Making the Balsamic Glaze:

Step 1.) Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Step 2.) Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally with a whisk or spatula, until the vinegar has reduced by about half and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. It will thicken more as it cools. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature in a small bowl. This can be done ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Crostini:

Step 3.) Preheat your oven to 375∘F (190∘C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4.) Using a knife and cutting board, slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds.

Step 5.) Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil using a pastry brush or a spoon.

Step 6.) Bake for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack.

Preparing the Strawberry Topping:

Step 7.) Using a knife and cutting board, hull and slice the fresh strawberries.

Step 8.) In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the optional 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Gently toss with a spoon and let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release some of their juices.

Preparing the Creamy Element (Optional):

Step 9.) In another small bowl, combine the vegan ricotta cheese (or plain non-dairy yogurt), maple syrup (or agave nectar), and vanilla extract. Stir well with a spoon until smooth and combined.

Assembling the Crostini:

Step 10.) To assemble, take a toasted crostini slice. If using, spread a thin layer of the creamy vanilla element onto the crostini.

Step 11.) Top with a spoonful of the prepared sliced strawberries.

Step 12.) Drizzle generously with the cooled balsamic glaze.

Step 13.) If using, garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil or mint.

Step 14.) Arrange the finished crostini on a serving plate and serve immediately.

Tips for Success:

• Don't Over-Reduce Glaze: The balsamic glaze will thicken significantly as it cools. Take it off the heat when it's just slightly thinner than your desired consistency.

• Freshness is Key: This dish is best assembled just before serving to ensure the crostini remains crispy.

• Strawberry Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar for the strawberries based on how sweet they are naturally.

• Other Berries: Feel free to incorporate other berries Lola likes, such as blueberries or blackberries, into the fruit topping.