We are well into the dog days of summer and the very last thing I feel like doing is slaving over a hot stove. I’ve hit the part of the year where i tend to subside on iced coffee, grapes and popsicles. It’s just too hot to eat anything else. this past weekend, I was invited to a friend’s house for dinner and a movie and knew that grapes and popsicles would not be appropriate tob ring with me. So I began looking for something that I could make and transport and yet didn’t require me to turn on my stove. In the end, I decided to throw together these delicious little summer snacks. Fruit soaked in balsamic vinegar is one of my favorite flavor combinations and these did not disappoint — the key here is to use the best ingredients that you can afford and can get your hands on.
Here is what you’ll need:
+ crusty bread (i used a french small boule)
+ olive oil
+ balsamic vinegar
+ strawberries
+ fresh ricotta
+ basil
+ salt and pepper to taste
start by hulling and dicing your strawberries. i used about a pint of them to make 1.5 cups of diced strawberries. then combine with 2 T of balsamic and let sit for 20 minutes. then slice and lightly toast your bread. once toasted drizzle with olive oil. then stir in about a tablespoon of olive oil into your ricotta. spread a healthy spoonful onto each slice of bread. top with a healthy spoonful of strawberries. chiffonade or tear the basil and sprinkle on top and add salt and pepper to taste.
voila. an impressive, delicious and simple summer time treat. i loved them so much, i plan to make these daily for lunch!
xoxo
katie
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