Strawberry Basil Bruschetta with Balsamic Reduction

Ingredients

12 slices whole wheat baguette, sliced ½ inch thick
2 tsp olive oil
1 cup fresh California Giant Berry Farms strawberries, diced small
1/4 cup basil, thinly sliced
1 shallot, minced
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush tops with 1 ½ teaspoons of the olive oil. Bake for about 1-2 minutes or until bread is toasted and golden brown.
2. Combine the strawberries, basil, shallot and remaining olive oil in a medium bowl.  Season with salt and pepper.
3. To make balsamic reduction: Place the vinegar in a small sauce pan over medium-high heat. Simmer the vinegar until it has reduced by about 2/3 its original volume.
4. To serve, top the toasted bread slices with the strawberry mixture and crumbled goat cheese, if using, then drizzle with balsamic reduction.