📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Gently wash 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Hulled and diced them into small, bite-sized pieces. Try to aim for roughly the same size for even flavor distribution. Don't bruise them!
2. Chop the Basil: Stack 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, roll them up tightly, and slice them thinly into ribbons (chiffonade). This releases the aromatic oils, ahhh, so fragrant. Avoid chopping too finely, as you want to maintain some texture.
3. Combine Strawberries and Basil: In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries and chiffonade basil. Toss gently to combine.
4. Add Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze over the strawberry-basil mixture. If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Stir gently to coat. Be careful not to overdo it, or it'll become too sweet.
5. Season with Salt and Pepper: Add a pinch of sea salt (about 1/8 teaspoon) and a grind of freshly cracked black pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon) to enhance the flavors. Trust me on this one, it makes a difference! Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Prepare the Bread: Slice a baguette (about 1 inch thick) on the bias (diagonally) for larger surface area. You can use other types of bread, like sourdough or ciabatta, but baguette is classic.
7. Toast the Bread: There are several ways to toast the bread: - Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. - Broiler: Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning. - Grill: Grill the baguette slices over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, until grill marks appear. This adds a nice smoky flavor. - Toaster: Use your toaster to toast the slices. However, this is generally inadvisable, but hey, it works in a pinch right?
8. Rub with Garlic (Optional): Once the bread is toasted, rub a peeled garlic clove over the surface of each slice for added flavor. Some people love it; some don't. Your call!
9. Assemble the Bruschetta: Spoon the strawberry-basil mixture over the toasted baguette slices. Make sure each slice gets a generous topping. It should look colorful and inviting.
10. Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, garnish with a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory note. I sometimes like to add a tiny sliver of fresh mozzarella
11. Serve Immediately: Strawberry Basil Bruschetta is best served immediately after assembling. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. If you're preparing it in advance, keep the strawberry mixture and toasted bread separate until ready to serve. Store the strawberry mix in a fridge until ready to serve.