Strawberry and Brie Bruschetta

12 slices French bread, cut 1/2 inch thick
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
12 slices (about 12 ounces) Brie cheese
1 1/2 pounds (about 4 to 5 cups) sliced stemmed
    California strawberries
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Spread 1 side of each bread slice with butter; arrange, butter side up, on large baking sheet.

In small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle 1 teaspoon over each slice of bread. Reserve remaining sugar mixture. Toast bread in oven for 5 minutes. Remove from oven. Top each with 1 slice cheese; return to oven. Bake an additional 4 to 6 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine strawberries, vanilla extract and remaining sugar mixture; toss lightly.

Place two bruschetta on each serving plate. Spoon 1/3 cup strawberry mixture over each; sprinkle with almonds. Serve immediately.

Makes 6 servings

Tip: To toast almonds, spread in even layer on baking sheet. Bake in 350 degree F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown, stirring once or twice for even browning.

Nutrition Information Per Serving: 513 calories; 35 g fat; 84 mg cholesterol; 482 mg sodium; 34 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber; 18 g protein

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of California Strawberry Commission - used with permission.