Strawberry Mascarpone Cream Pie Crostini

Ingredients

• •1 artisanal baguette, thinly sliced
• •8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
• •1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• •1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• •1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
• •2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• •1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• •1 tablespoon aged balsamic glaze
• •Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Prep Steps

1. 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of baguette slices with melted butter and arrange on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
2. 2In a medium bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whisk gently until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix.
3. 3In a separate small bowl, gently toss the sliced fresh strawberries.
4. 4To assemble, spread a generous dollop of the mascarpone cream onto each toasted crostini slice.
5. 5Arrange a few slices of the fresh strawberries artfully on top of the mascarpone cream.
6. 6Drizzle a small amount of aged balsamic glaze over the strawberries on each crostini.
7. 7Garnish each crostini with a tiny fresh mint leaf or a small sprig.
8. 8Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the crostini and the freshness of the toppings.