Florida Strawberries are HERE which means Crostata time!

If you live anywhere near Florida like we do in Atlanta, chances are you've already seen Florida strawberries make an appearance at your local markets. They're plump, sweet, and perfect. In Italy, people often have things like cake or sweet breads and crostata for breakfast.This recipe for strawberry crostata is a great way to put those plentiful strawberries to good use. I've also included a recipe for Balsamic Roasted Strawberries which is a lovely accompaniment. Serve both dishes with a side of ice cream. The ingredients are simple and the taste divine. Enjoy! 

Strawberry CrostataServes 8

You will need:- 1 1/2 cups pastry flour- 1/4 cup sugar- 1 1/2 cups cold butter cut into slices- 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk- 1/2 teaspoon salt- 1 cup strawberry jamTo prepare: Preheat oven to 400 degrees FIn the bowl of a standing mixer, place flour and butter combine on low speed until crumbs form.Add sugar, salt, and eggs. When combined about 3 minutes, place in plastic wrap and into the refrigerator for 1 hour.Cut the dough in 1/2, roll 1/2 the dough out on a floured surface into a round disk. Place disk into the bottom of a fluted 11" tart pan.  Roll the other half and with a pinked pie cutter cut 1" strips.Spread the strawberry jam on top of the crust, then lay the 1 " strips in a lattice pattern on top of the jam.Place in the oven for 30 minutes. Until golden brown. Cool and serve at room temperature.

Balsamic Roasted StrawberriesServes 8

You will need:- 4 cups cleaned strawberries- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar- 1/4 cup sugarTo prepare: Preheat oven to 400 degrees FIn a bowl toss strawberries, vinegar and sugar. On a parchment lined lipped cookie sheet, place balsamic soaked strawberries. Roast for 30 minutes, then place in a bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. This can be served warm with the crostata over ice cream.Serve a slice of the crostata with a scoop of ice cream and warmed strawberries.Enjoy xxTop photo credit : Bill Addison