Magic Show, a Late Dinner, and Roasted Strawberry Bruschetta!
Summertime entertaining seems to be a more “go with the flow” kind of entertaining at our place. Like 2 nights ago when we texted our friends (we’d been hanging around our kids for too long) and asked if they wanted to come in to town for dinner. Very last minute.
A late dinner it was. I think we ate around 9, but isn’t that what summer is all about? Lazy days, long nights, hanging outside with friends eating good food, and trying to stay cool?
A little magic show was going on inside.
Very little thought went into my table setting. Simple tea light candles.
We cooked in the kitchen together.
I put my friend Steph to work with appetizer ingredients.
Have you had strawberry bruschetta? If not, you just have to try it! I’ve also used raspberries and it’s delicious. Of course I love raspberries and basil.
Roasted Strawberry Bruschetta
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 loaf ciabatta bread (I bought mine at Costco)
1-2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup soft goat cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
salt and white pepper
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the strawberries into a bowl and gently mix with the balsamic vinegar. Spread strawberries out on a baking sheet and bake for five minutes. Remove and let cool.
Cut the ciabatta into equal slices, coat with olive oil, and broil on each side until toasted and crisp.
Spread goat cheese on hot bread, top equally with the roasted berries and juice.
Head out to the herb garden and pick fresh basil; chop finely. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with basil.
Enjoy!
We’re nearing the end of our strawberry season, so I appreciated this recipe that used very little berries.
I think about hospitality as giving a gift to friends. They love it, it feels good to give out, and it takes your mind off of yourself. As my Commandment #1 says: Hospitality is not only a gift I give, but a gift I receive.
How’s your summer entertaining going? Do you tend to eat later in the evenings?
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What a great idea! I was craving some caprese salad up until I saw this recipe! I need to run back over to the farmer’s market for some strawberries now : )
Delish, a perfect summer dish xoxox Clarice
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I have never heard of something like this before–but this looks amazing. I can’t wait to try this recipe!!! Thanks for sharing!
When that picture of the bruschetta showed up in my RSS reader, I started drooling! It looked amazing! I’m definitely going to try it.
Oh, and I am SO excited for your book, and The Nester’s giveaway. I hope I get my hands on a copy!
Ok, girls, I made these last night for dinner and they.were.amazing!
Such a fabulous complement of flavors! Lovely!
That sounds like the perfect kind of evening to me. These bruschetta look over-the-top delicious!
This looks fabulous! Strawberries are on sale here for 88 cents so now I know what to do with them. Thanks for sharing this recipe and great photos.
Blessings,
Debbie
I will definitely have to try those, they look great! Everything’s more casual around here for us, later dinners and more spur of the moment entertaining for sure. In fact, you’ve reminded me that I need to have friends over more.
I wonder if this would work with feta? Our CSA co-op took a vaca over the 4th and our first produce delivery of July is TODAY! I’m so excited to go home to my fresh picked strawberries and basil – I might just make this for dinner tonight!
Sandy’s book is almost here! Sandy’s book is almost here!
Sounds so yummy and simple to make…will try soon.Thanks
I’ve made a similar appetizer. Love yours! Great dish for entertaining:)
Oh my! This sounds divine! Never heard of this combo before but it looks so yum.
oh my gosh I MUST try this!!! You are going to make me a superstar at my next get together!!
Sandy you are right summer is for long lazy days spent with family and friends. And nothing is better than a late night meal shared with those you love, enjoying the coolest part of the day. And that brushetta looks great!!! Might have to try that this week end, thanks for sharing!
Blessings to you and yours
Curtis & Sherrie
I love Bruschetta but never thought to use berries. We don’t tend to eat “meals” late at night, but definitely do snacks. The girls just had a movie night Monday and we served chocolate chip cookies, popcorn and juice.
Dinner Theater! What fun!
Thank you for the recipe! It sounds divine! I’m having company for a light summer salad dinner on friday and I’m going to serve your wonderul strawberry brushetta!
Yvonne
I am having a little dinner party next week with a couple of friends. I wanted the menu to be dishes that used all the fresh fruits and vegetables of summer. I am definitely going to make this as one of them. Thanks for sharing another wonderful recipe!!!
Love Bruschetta but never, never thought about using strawberries. Love this idea. I will have to try it out on my family very soon. I actually have strawberries in my fridge right now. Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the great idea. Love your blog.
Whoa! I’ve never seen strawberries on bruschetta before, that looks fabulous! What a cool way to use strawberries.
Are you serious?? Strawberry bruschetta topping? I’ve never heard of it, and I’ve got to try it! I love bruschetta; it’s one of my favorite things in the world to eat. This sounds yummy!
We have a new vinegar and olive oil store, called Fustini’s. Great flavors and fun tasting! It is a local Michigan chain. Anyway, I think your recipe would be great with these new finds.