Strawberry Tomato Bruschetta

"Ladies of the Lake"
I’ve invited them for tea
hoping for a response
to dine with me on this
warm spring day.

Perhaps they can’t choose
what elegant gown to wear
or which slippers suit their attire best.
It’s been said the yellow is the first to arrive
followed by pink beauty
who often steals the show.

The calendar has been set
though Spring is known
to be a season’s trickster
holding all the ladies back.

Who will arrive first is anyone’s guess.
It could be the Lady's slipper adorned in shades of yellow
or the Moccasin Flower veiled in delicate pink.

by Sue Ready

Meet the first lady of the spring-Yellow Lady's Slipper

An easy appetizer made with toasted French baguette slices topped with fresh ripe Roma tomatoes, strawberries, mozzarella cheese with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. 

Strawberry and Tomato Bruschetta 

Cook's Notes: Recipe makes 12 can be made ahead and assembled right before serving. 
Cooking Tip: Toast the bread slices, dice strawberries and tomatoes, set aside. 
Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced diagonally
• Olive oil
• 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 
• 1/4 cup fresh basil ribboned
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 teaspoons good quality dark balsamic vinegar, divided 
• Grated mozzarella cheese 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush each bread slice both sides with olive oil. Spread out on a baking sheet and toast 4 minutes on each side.
• In a bowl mix diced tomatoes and strawberries, basil, garlic and 2 teaspoons balsamic. Let sit 20 minutes, stir a few times. Salt and pepper to taste 
• Spread mixture on toast slices. Grate mozzarella cheese over each slice. With remaining teaspoon drizzle balsamic over each toast. 
  

Pair the appetizer with a chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc!