Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Basic, Easy and Delicious!

Bruschetta is simply an open faced sandwich, bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil, salt and pepper.  The extra toppings are endless.  Make it as an appetizer, or add some substance like chicken, and make it a meal.  

Most recipes call for plum tomatoes. I like the Campari tomatoes because of their sweeter taste.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 tomatoes, seeded and diced small 
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 3 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 T fresh basil leaves, sliced into ribbons
• 1 T balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds 

Extra olive oil for drizzling on toasted bread

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F

1) Tomatoes:
In one bowl, add the tomatoes and basil.  In a smaller bowl, mix together the garlic, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Pour olive oil mixture over tomatoes and basil, toss, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature while you toast the bread.

2) Bread:
Slice bread in 1/2 inch slices and add to a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the oven until hardened on top, barely turning golden brown.  I like to turn over and toast both sides.  Remove from oven and rub each toast piece with garlic clove and drizzle with olive oil.

3) Top:
Either serve the tomatoes in a bowl and have toast on the side for self serving and topping; or top toast and serve immediately.

Variation:   Make it a delicious and easy to prepare meal.  Chop up grilled chicken and toss with the tomato and basil topping, sprinkle with parmesan or mozzarella cheese and top the toast.  Heat in oven at 350 degrees F, and serve warm.  

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