Strawberries stand in for tomatoes in an early summer take on the classic Caprese combination.
Ingredients
FOR THE BALSAMIC STRAWBERRY CONSERVE
2 c. Strawberries, stems removed, halved if using large berries
2 Tbsp. Sugar
1 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
⅛ tsp. Kosher Salt
peel of ½ Lemon
FOR THE CROSTINI
12½ in slices Baguette
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
12-24 Basil Leaves
1 ball Fresh Mozzarella, cut in 12 slices
Instructions
Combine strawberries with sugar, vinegar, salt, and lemon peel in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer until the berries are soft and suspended in a thick, sweet syrup, about 30 minutes. Remove lemon peel and allow the cool slightly. The mixture will thicken as it cools.
Make crostini. Heat about 1 Tbsp. of olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Place the bread in the skillet and allow to toast and become golden. Flip and toast the other side. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
Assemble. Top each crostini with 1 large or several small basil leaves. Cover with a slice of Mozzarella. Drizzle the cheese with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper. Top with a couple of berries and their juices and serve. You won't miss the tomatoes a bit!
Notes
You will likely have more of the strawberry conserve than you need for 12 crostini. You could, of course, just make more crostini or you could add it to a prosciutto and brie sandwich, dollop them on a warm chèvre salad, or spoon them over ice cream.
Recipe by strawberryplum at http://www.strawberryplum.com/balsamic-strawberry-mozzarella-basil-crostini/