GRILLED BRIOCHE WITH WARM HONEY STRAWBERRIES

Sugarland’s Kristian Bush is a big pal of mine. I made Kristian this toast topped with fresh thyme-infused strawberries and honey. He loved it so much he joked he was going to change his name to Warm Honey Strawberry Bush! He could get away with it, too, because he’s so sweet.

Makes 4 servings

2 TABLESPOONS HONEY

1 VANILLA BEAN, SPLIT LENGTHWISE

1 QUART STRAWBERRIES, GREEN CAPS REMOVED

2 THYME SPRIGS

4 THICK SLICES BRIOCHE BREAD

MELTED BUTTER, FOR BRUSHING

WHIPPED CREAM (OPTIONAL)

1. Preheat the grill to medium-low.

2. Place the honey in a small bowl, scrape in the vanilla seeds, and mix well.

3. Make a foil packet to hold the strawberries and top them with the honey-vanilla mixture and the thyme. Seal the packet and grill it for 10 to 12 minutes, until the strawberries are soft.

4. Brush the brioche slices with melted butter and grill until golden brown on both sides, about 1 minute 30 seconds per side.

5. Serve the brioche topped with warm strawberries. If desired, dollop with whipped cream.

SOUTHERN SIMPLE: Do not wash strawberries before you store them; wash them just before you plan to use them.

SOUTHERN SIMPLE: Brioche is a rich, slightly sweet bread made with butter and eggs in the dough.

SOUTHERN MOTHER: Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and also contain iron and potassium. My little Daisy is crazy about them.