Today’s recipe is a perfect, weekend treat. Whether it’s served for breakfast with your morning coffee, or as an appetizer, this Strawberry Ricotta with Balsamic Reduction and Fresh Basil, served on toasted ciabatta bread is not only delectable, but also very simple to make and looks almost too pretty to eat.
This little appetizer is the sole reason for which I cut my 7-day juice cleanse 2 days short. Because it’s hard to cook for your friend and watch her eat THIS, while you sip on your fresh carrot juice. And not that I have anything against carrot juice, but…but BREAD? Ohh I love that guy so much.
What you have here is warm, crispy bread, smooth and creamy ricotta, strawberries coated with sweet and tart balsamic reduction and all of that is topped with fresh basil-which, by the way, goes great with strawberries. Here’s how to make it:
Strawberry Ricotta with Balsamic Reduction and Fresh Basil
1 cup of ricotta cheese
1/2 loaf of ciabatta bread
1 cup of fresh strawberries
few leaves of fresh basil
For the balsamic reduction:
1 cup of balsamic vinegar
1 TBS coconut palm sugar (you can also use 1/4 cup of honey)
1. First, you need to prepare your balsamic reduction since that will take the longest. In a small sauce pan, bring the vinegar and sugar, or honey if using, to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and let the vinegar simmer until it has reduced to 1/3 cup. After the mixture is reduced, set it aside and let cool.
2. Place your ciabatta bread on a baking sheet, top it off with the ricotta cheese, spreading it in an even layer, finish off with sliced strawberries and broil until they have softened and the edges of bread have become browned and crispy.
3. Let your bread cool off for about 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven, then coat it with a generous amount of your balsamic reduction and finish off with fresh basil.
12 Comments
Vanessa
March 22, 2015 at 8:39 pmOMG, such a delicious recipe. *__*
New post is online…
Mel
March 22, 2015 at 11:37 pmThis looks so amazing
http://www.girlandthepolkadot.com/
Paula
March 24, 2015 at 9:49 amThanks Mel!
rumeladey
March 23, 2015 at 1:58 amnow this post makes me hungry. thanks for sharing this recipe.
http://www.rumelatheshopaholic.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Rose
March 23, 2015 at 9:25 amI…. need this. And I have a ton of strawberries in the fridge. Take me to heaven Lord!
http://aroseisinbloom.blogspot.com/
Paula
March 24, 2015 at 9:48 am:D
Brenda BusyBee
March 23, 2015 at 3:01 pmMy mouth has started watering! This looks super delicious – can’t wait to whip one of these up :) x
Brenda BusyBee
Paula
March 24, 2015 at 9:48 amThanks Brenda!
Josie
March 23, 2015 at 6:28 pmThis looks so nice! I love strawberries, this looks like a delish recipe x
Josie’s Journal
Paula
March 24, 2015 at 9:49 amSo do I! :D Thanks Josie!
Sophie Sierra
March 30, 2015 at 7:55 pmGahh! This looks immensely out of this world. No wonder you quit the carrot juice for this, I think even the most patient saint would be quitting stat with this strawberry delight sat in front of them :D Really love the touch of balsamic vinegar, I always love the essence of it and can imagine it really blends such a unique taste with the fruity vibes <3
Perfect, perfect weekend recipe inspo :D ;)
Sophie | soinspo xo
M + K
April 21, 2015 at 12:56 amThis sounds and looks like an amazing combination! We’ll have to try it
M + K