Strawberry and Brie Bruschetta

• From: California Strawberry Commission

Ingredients

• 12 slices French bread, cut 1/2 inch thick

• 1/3 cup butter, softened

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 12 slices (about 12 ounces) Brie cheese

• 1 1/2 lbs (about 4 to 5 cups) sliced stemmed strawberries

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Sweet and savory, cheesy and crunchy, this bruschetta is a sure crowd pleaser!

Directions

• Heat oven to 375ºF. Spread 1 side of each bread slice with butter; arrange, butter side up, on large baking sheet. In small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle 1 teaspoon over each slice of bread. Reserve remaining sugar mixture.
• Toast bread in oven for 5 minutes. Remove from oven. Top each with 1 slice cheese; return to oven. Bake an additional 4 to 6 minutes or until cheese is melted. Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine strawberries, vanilla and remaining sugar mixture; toss lightly. Place two bruschetta on each serving plate.
• Spoon 1/3 cup strawberry mixture over each; sprinkle with almonds. Serve immediately.