Step 1

Rub your serving bowl with your peeled and smashed garlic clove. Mince the clove and throw it in the bowl.

Step 2

Add your balsamic vinegar and sugar to a small pot. Stir to combine, and bring to a slow boil. Immediately reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes, until you have a thick syrup.

Step 3

Finely dice your strawberries and tomatoes and add to the serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4

Chiffonade your basil leaves, reserving some for garnish.

Step 5

Once the balsamic syrup has thickened, fold it gently into your bruschetta mix. Reserve some for garnish.

Step 6

Lay your crostini across a plate. Pile the bruschetta on your toasted crostini, and top with leftover basil and a drizzle of syrup. If you're feeling indulgent, first put a dollop of ricotta cheese on each crostini.

Step 7

Enjoy as an appetizer, or an accompaniment to a light lunch.