Roasted Balsamic 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 … lots of texting with 3 teens around) and asked if they wanted to come in to town for dinner. It was 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?
Very little thought went into my table setting. Simple tea light candles. And it’s always good when the kids help out.
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! It’s become our quick and easy appetizer, especially since we grow our own strawberries on the side of our house in a large patch.
I so {heart} this time of year!
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.
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.
Do you tend to eat later in the evenings during the summertime when you entertain?
Want to make my 30-Minute Strawberry Jam?
(This is a partial reposting from last year, but good enough to post again!)
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I like your thinking, Merry. :-)
I so have to make this. Goat cheese and strawberries. Double whammie!
I do believe these will be making an appearance at Margarita Friday today!
We ate around 8:15 tonight, which is late for us. I was in Wal-Mart today trying to think of something to fix for supper and your last post about the “takeout” dinner came to mind. So yes, I bought the Caesar Salad Kit, a rotisserie chicken, corn on the cob, and french bread. I left the brownies off….this time. It was a super quick meal to get on the table and we all enjoyed it immensely. Thanks again!
I need to try this.
We still try to eat fairly early no matter what since hubby really likes to not eat after a certain time in the evening.
Oh my goodness…this looks and sounds de-vine! My stomach is growling, and my mouth is watering. I will definitely be adding this to my list of things to try soon…like this weekend!! Thanks for sharing so many wonderful ideas with us. I made the apricot appetizer at a friend’s house over the 4th, and she absolutely loved it, as did I!
We do tend to eat later during summer. I love summer. Wish our weather was a little closer to what you experience. :) 106 degree heat index is a little too hot for my liking.
Blessings!
That does it – I am showing up on your doorstep the next time you have a dinner party. What an original and beautiful recipe, Sandy!
This looks great! I have strawberries in the fridge and a couple friends coming over for cake pop lessons tonight … looks like I have an idea for a treat now. Thanks!
LOVE. We grow strawberries as well, but I’m guessing that this year our chipmunks had a dandy ol’ time making dad-gum bruschetta with them instead of US. GRRR.
(looks great though!)
I love balsamic and strawberries together. What a perfect summer time appetizer. I love the long days and late dinners. Sounds like you had a lovely evening!
My mouth is watering! I bet it would be fabulous with raspberries too. I am jealous of your garden:)
This looks delicious. I make strawberry bruschetta a lot with mascarpone. I have never thought of roasting the berries….brilliant! And, anytime you put goat cheese and balsamic together, it will be a hit for sure. Thanks for this!
What a fabulous idea! I hav a bunch of strawberries in my fridge so I might just try this today! Have a great day!
This looks delicious! Thank you for sharing!