Strawberry-Brie Bruschetta

• French bread↗12 slices

  cut 1/2 inch thick

• unsalted butter↗1⁄3 cup

  softened

• brown sugar↗1⁄3 cup
• cinnamon↗2 teaspoons
• brie cheese↗12 slices

  (about 12 ounces)

• sliced stemmed strawberries↗1 1⁄2 lbs

  (about 4-5 cups)

• vanilla extract↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• sliced almonds↗1 cup

  toasted

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 375-degrees.

2. 2

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

3. 3

   In small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle 1 teaspoon over each slice of bread.

4. 4

   Reserve remaining sugar mixture.

5. 5

   Toast bread in oven for 5 minutes and remove.

6. 6

   Top each slice with one slice of Brie; return to oven.

7. 7

   Bake an additional 4-6 minutes or until cheese is melted.

8. 8

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

9. 9

   Place two bruschetta on each serving plate.

10. 10

    Spoon 1/3 cup strawberry mixture over each; sprinkle with almonds.

11. 11

    Serve immediately.

12. 12

    Note: to toast almonds, spread on even layer on baking sheet.

13. 13

    Bake in a 350-degree oven for 5-10 minutes or until light golden brown, stirring once or twice for even browning.