Many, many years ago I found out that putting balsamic vinegar on berries brought out their sweetness. It was something I initially would have never believed or tried, but I'm so glad that I did. I love how the tart vinegar pairs with the sweet berries and while I don't use the combination often, I still enjoy it from time to time.

The theme for July's Improv Cooking Challenge is balsamic and berries, which really leaves a wide variety of recipes to make. I opted to keep it pretty simple this month and use all fresh ingredients in a dish that can be whipped up quickly. No baking, no fuss and very little mess. Perfect for if you need an appetizer for a last minute party or gathering.

Recipe

strawberries on top of crostini with balsamic glaze

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Improv Cooking Challenge: Balsamic Berry Crostini

An easy appetizer made using prepared bread, cheese, berries and balsamic.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Appetizer

Keyword: appetizer, balsamic, crostini, snack, strawberries

Servings: -20 pieces

Calories:

Author: NicholeL

Ingredients

1 loaf french bread or other thin bread
½ cup cream cheese softened
2 tablespoon sugar
1 cup strawberries hulled and thinly sliced
16-20 blueberries
⅛ cup balsamic reduction*
optional: mint leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the french bread into rounds and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until just lightly toasted.
3. Beat together the cream cheese and sugar until combined. Spread onto the bread rounds.
4. Top with 1-2 strawberry slices, a blueberry and optional mint leaf.
5. Drizzle balsamic reduction on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

*To make a balsamic reduction: Combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar with ¼ cup honey in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then simmer until reduced to ⅓ cup. * This recipe makes more than used above. Extra can be kept in the fridge for a few days.

I was running out of daylight to photograph this recipe and ended up rushing my balsamic reduction which is why it doesn't look very pretty. It could have thickened up a lot more but I needed daylight, so I used it before it was really thick enough. Just remember to give yourself enough time!

If you are a fan of goat cheese this could easily replace the cream cheese and sugar mixture that was spread onto the crostini.

This is the perfect combination of light, sweet, and tart. I could easily eat a plate of these all by myself!

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Balsamic Berry Crostini

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