Strawberry Ricotta Toast

Ingredients

• 1/2 loaf (about 1/2 pound) multigrain sourdough bread, sliced 3/4-inch thick
• olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, or to taste
• 1 carton (15 ounces) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 to 3 teaspoons very thinly sliced fresh mint leaves
• freshly ground grains of paradise (or black pepper)
• 1 cup honey and thyme strawberry sauce (recipe follows)
• 2 quarts (2 pounds) halved small strawberries (quartered if large), about 6 cups
• 2 thin strips orange peel (orange only, no white pith)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 cardamom pods
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/2 inch piece peeled fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme