Strawberry Chambord Whipped Cheese Toasts
User Reviews
5
Strawberry Chambord Whipped Cheese Toasts
Description
This recipe begins by simmering balsamic vinegar and Chambord raspberry liqueur to create a thick syrup that coats chopped strawberries, imparting a sweet and tangy glaze. The syrup and berries rest briefly to meld flavors before excess liquid is drained, preserving a syrupy consistency on the fruit.
Baguette slices are brushed with olive oil, seasoned, and toasted under the broiler until golden and crisp. The cheese topping combines softened cream cheese with blue or goat cheese and a pinch of coarse sea salt whisked until light and fluffy.
Assembly involves layering each toast with the whipped cheese, a fresh basil leaf, and a spoonful of the raspberry-balsamic strawberries. A final seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of sea salt highlights the interplay of sweet, tangy, creamy, and herbal notes. These toasts offer a refined combination of textures and flavors suitable for a sophisticated starter or light hors d'oeuvre.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup Chambord raspberry liqueur
- 2 cups strawberries chopped into 1 inch pieces
- sea salt coarse
- 1 loaf baguette sliced into 1 inch pieces, French
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 cup blue cheese or soft goat cheese
- 1/3 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
- sea salt optional, Maldon; for serving
Instructions
- Combine the vinegar and Chambord into a small saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until mixture thickens, reduces by half and coats the back of a spoon. Set aside to cool.
- Once the syrup is cool, toss with the berry pieces along with 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt. Allow to sit for 10 minutes. Strain out excess liquid, leaving about 1/4 cup of the liquid in the bowl.
- Meanwhile, arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place in the oven under the broiler and toast until golden. Watch carefully as they burn easily!
- Combine the cream cheese with the blue cheese (or goat cheese) along with 1/2 teaspoon of coarse sea salt (if using kosher salt instead reduce to 1/4 teaspoon). Whisk together until light and airy.
- To assemble toasts, top each slice of toast with some cheese mixture, a basil leaf and a spoonful of the strawberries. Season with a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt if desired.
Notes
- Use either Stilton blue cheese or a soft goat cheese based on your preference.
- Toast baguette slices carefully under the broiler to avoid burning; watch closely.
- Allow the strawberry syrup and berries to marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor melding.
- The recipe is adapted from Cooking with Cocktails by Kristy Gardner with permission.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 311 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 311kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 460mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 201mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 360IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 28.5mg | 32% |
| Calcium | 121mg | 12% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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