A colorful blend of strawberries, mint, and balsamic glaze on toasted baguette slices for a light snack.
# Components:
→ Bruschetta Base
01 - 1 French baguette, sliced into 8 pieces
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 clove garlic, peeled
→ Strawberry Topping
04 - 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - Pinch of sea salt
09 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Balsamic Reduction
10 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
02 - Remove toasted baguette slices from oven and rub one side of each slice with the peeled garlic clove while still warm.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine diced strawberries, chopped mint, honey or maple syrup, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until evenly combined.
04 - Add balsamic vinegar and optional sugar to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
05 - Spoon generous amounts of strawberry mixture onto each garlic-rubbed toasted baguette slice.
06 - Drizzle balsamic reduction over each bruschetta and serve immediately.
