Roasted Balsamic Strawberry Crostini with Mascarpone Whipped Cream and Pistachios.

Ingredients:

-3 cups strawberries, cut in half (large berries can be quartered)

-2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

-1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

-1 baguette cut into 1/2 inch slices

-1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled

-8 ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature

-4 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

-1/2 cup chopped pistachios

Instructions:

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.In a large bowl, toss the strawberries with 1 tablespoon olive oil and vinegar. On a baking sheet lined with parchment, spread the strawberries in a single layer and roast for 10 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, stir the strawberries and roast for an addition 5-10 minutes. Transfer the berries to a bowl and cool to room temperature.

3.Brush both sides of the crostini with olive oil and line on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5 minutes or until golden and then turn the slices over. Bake for an additional 5 minutes and then transfer the bread to a cooling rack.

4.Using a hand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk the cream, mascarpone and sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

5.Assemble the crostini by placing 1-2 tablespoons of strawberries on a crostini round. Top the strawberries with 2 tablespoons whipped cream and sprinkle with pistachios. Serve immediately.