Strawberry Bruschetta

My sister Katie, works for Pampered Chef , and always has great recipes.


She made this appetizer which is so delicious, more like a desert.
Would be great for brunch.
Strawberry Bruschetta adapted from the Pampered Chef. 
   
  20 slices French bread, sliced 1/4 -inch thick 
  1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted 
  3 tablespoons granulated sugar 
  1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 
  1 lemon 
  1 container (8 ounces) cream cheese spread 
  1/4 cup powdered sugar 
  2 1/2 cups strawberries, hulled and coarsely chopped 
  1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds 
  Additional powdered sugar, optional 
   
  Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place bread slices on baking sheet. In microwave-safe bowl, microwave butter until melted. Brush butter on bread slices. Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in small bowl or shaker; sprinkle evenly over bread slices. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown; let cool. Meanwhile, zest lemon to measure 1 teaspoon zest. Juice lemon to measure 2 teaspoons juice. In small bowl, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over bread slices. Place bread slices on serving platter; top with strawberries and sprinkle with almonds and powdered sugar, if desired. Serve immediately. 
  Note: To toast almonds in the microwave, place almonds in microwave-safe container; microwave on high for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown, stirring after each 30-second interval. Cool completely. 
  Yields 20 slices. 
  Per slice: 180 calories; 8 g fat (4.5 g saturated fat; 40 percent calories from fat); 22 g carbohydrate; 15 mg cholesterol; 250 mg sodium; 4 g protein; 2 g fiber.