Let’s talk about combinations that sound weird, but are magical when combined. Unlike the time, I thought I would try and be a blonde. Meseidy and blonde hair does not equal magical, not even close. But, black pepper and strawberries that’s magic. Add a few other ingredients and magical becomes out of this world.
First let me introduce you to Burrata. If you haven’t tried it, you must add it to your must eat list. Burrata is ribbons of mozzarella tossed in cream and wrapped in mozzarella. I know crazy right!? It’s stretchy, creamy, sweet and salty. In summation, it’s amazing and it’s just the thing needed to balance the pepperiness of these crostini.
Now lets talk strawberry and black pepper. Black pepper love strawberries and strawberries love black pepper. It’s really a harmonious relationship. It may sound odd, but black pepper makes strawberries taste more like strawberries with a little peppery tickle on your tongue. I’m not talking a dash of black pepper. I’m talking a lot of black pepper, don’t be shy. And, because I’m weird I tossed in some salty kalamata olives. The olives are optional, but they add a perfect touch of saltiness.
Then I thought if black pepper loves strawberries then surely peppery radishes will also love strawberries. Now we got a love triangle. But, not the weird full of drama kind. This one has more of a kumbaya vibe going on. Honestly, when I put them all together, I am pretty sure they started singing or I am crazy, which is totally a possibility.
There are times when I get an idea and I think to myself, “Is this going to work?” But, then I’m rewarded with something amazing. And, I ‘m talking eyes roll to the back of your head slap your knee amazing.
Every element of these crostini works together in perfect harmony. The black pepper and radish make the strawberries more strawberry-ey, the olives add a touch of briny salt, the crostini adds that much loved crunch and the burrata acts as the great equalizer. It’s a thing of beauty.
Peppery Strawberry and Burrata Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries, hulled and small diced
- 1 1/2 black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
- 6 kalamata olives, small diced
- 12 1/2 slices of french baguette
- 1/2 stick butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove
- 8 oz Burrata
- 3 radishes, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
- Toss together berries, pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and thyme. Spread on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes. Transfer berries to a bowl and let cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Brush baguette slices with butter on both sides. Lay straight on sheet pan and toast in oven until golden brown, about 10 - 15 minutes. When baguette slices are cool enough lightly rub with garlic clove, you don't need to rub it much unless you REALLY like garlic.
- Stir kalamata olives into strawberries. Top crostinis with burrata, 3 slices of radish and strawberry mixture. Sprinkle with salt and garnish with fresh thyme.
1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or tablespoon?
teaspoon
So this is the Watson recipe? http://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/trends-news/article/chef-watson-app
That is just a crazy combination. Strawberry and black pepper? Get the flop out of here! This is so crazy I have to try it! Thanks for passing it on.
Get the flop out! I like that! I may have to use it.
I never thought about roasting strawberries. How awesomely creative. I would love to try these. Looks fantastic!
Such a pretty appetizer! I would head for these in a flash on a buffet table!
I have no words for how badly I want to eat these.
This crostini looks delicious! Love those peppery strawberries.
love this! looks so easy and great idea to combine something sweet with burrata!
Burrata is my favorite! I’ve never thought to pair it with strawberries though.
Wow…these look insanely delicious 🙂
These are gorgeous!! I love all the flavors and textures going on here. Gotta try these!
Burrata has been on my “must-try” list for about two months now, but I haven’t been able to get my hands on any. These crostini sound delicious!
Apneraptly this is what the esteemed Willis was talkin’ ’bout.
Love this combo
The problem with burrata is that I could eat it every, single day! Your crostini look delightful and scream summer!!
I literally have all the ingredients to make this appetizer this weekend for SheKnows. Great minds think alike and I love your photos!
This is a very interesting concept! Different is good and this looks REALLY good! I want to go try this now! Thank you for sharing!
I love the idea of black pepper and strawberries! I will have to give this a try!
Oh, wow. What a combination! I do enjoy black pepper and strawberries, but did you ever take it up a notch with the olives! Very nice.
So I’m lame and haven’t tried burrata but OMG I’m totally doing it now! This sounds amazing girl! And I did a really cool wine tasting earlier this year with strawberries, cracked black pepper and Pinot Noir. HEAVEN…a must-try!