Slice the baguette into 12 ½ inch slices. Toast them at 350 F. for 5 minutes or until nicely toasted.

While your tiny toasts are toasting, chop strawberries into teeny, tiny pieces until you have ½ cup. If your strawberries are very ripe, you might want to place them on a paper towel while you prepare the balsamic reduction sauce to allow the juice to release. Otherwise, the strawberry juices will water down the sauce when combined.

In a small sauce pan, add 4 tbsp. balsamic vinegar and 2 tsp. of brown sugar. Reduce the vinegar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, until the consistency is somewhat thick and saucy.

While the sauce reduces, prepare 1 tsp. of lemon zest.

Combine strawberries and lemon zest, pour the balsamic reduction sauce into your measuring cup or bowl, and gently stir.

Add a little ricotta to each toast, then carefully add the delicious balsamic strawberries to the crostini.