Strawberry Basil Bruschetta...It's a Winner!

My Strawberry Basil Brushchetta

Ok, just a little background about me.  I don't win things.  Seriously, I don't.  In fact, it's quite hilarious that out of all of the contests, raffle drawings, and other winable (is that word?) ventures I have attempted, I can't remember winning any of them. 

This non-winning thing dates back to gradeschool.  I vividly remember entering tickets for a chance to win a seletion of baked goods.  From cupcakes to cookies to rice crispie treats, there was a bounty available to win.  I think I bought at least 5 tickets (about $5 total, which is a big deal when you are 12).  When the time came around to announce the winners, I was sure that my name would be called.  I waited in anticipation...contemplating which item would make it home in my backpack.  As the selection started to decrease, so did my hopes of winning.  Turns out I didn't win that day...no treats for me.  Sure I was sad, but I got over it. 

These early lessons about losing weren't such a bad thing.  Nope, in fact, they were a true life lesson.  I always gave (and continue to give) my best in hopes of winning, but am mindful that sometimes even my best doesn't equal a win every time.  I learned that trying my best and honoring that was most important. 

You can imagine my surprise then, when I received an email notification that I had won a recipe contest that I entered a few months ago.  You would've thought that I won the lottery!  Seriously, I emailed my family as soon as I got the news and I am still so happy about it, that I can't stop smiling!!! 

Just remember, on the days that you are losing, there's a day in your future that you will be the winner.  It's truly the days leading up to that day that make you the winner.  Never give up, keep trying, and eventually you will be rewarded.

My winning recipe:

Strawberry Basil Bruschetta with Balsamic Reduction

Serves 6-12

Ingredients:

12 slices whole wheat baguette, sliced ½ inch thick

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 cup strawberries, diced small

¼ cup basil, thinly sliced

1 shallot, minced

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

½ cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled

Method:

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, then drizzle with balsamic reduction.

Note: Extra balsamic reduction can be refrigerated and used as a salad dressing, a condiment for sandwiches or even a topping for frozen yogurt.