Sunday, January 23, 2011

Tomato & Basil Bruschetta

Whether for lunch, a snack, or an appetizer before dinner, we make this healthy, delicious bruschetta at least once a week.  It is one of the simplest recipes, yet you will be surprised on how flavorful this little toast is.  We know that whoever you make this for, whether it is your friends, family, or just for yourself,  will be going back for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths.  Bon Appetit!  


Ingredients:
12 vine ripened tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 TBS fresh basil, chopped
½ cup balsamic vinegar
sea salt and pepper, to taste
1 large Italian baguette
1 clove of garlic, chopped
2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
1 ball of mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced


Directions:
Combine the chopped tomatoes, basil, vinegar, salt and pepper into a large bowl.  Stir and refrigerate to allow the flavors to marry.  Preheat the broiler and slice the baguette and mozzarella into thin slices.  Combine chopped garlic and olive oil and heat to infuse flavors.  Brush the slices of baguette lightly with the olive oil and garlic mixture.  (Make sure to get garlic pieces on each slice, to make it extra yummy!)  Top the slices of bread with the thin slices of mozzarella and arrange them onto a baking sheet.  Put the baking sheet under the broiler.  (Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!)  Remove the bread once it is crisp and the cheese has melted.  Top the yummy bread with your desired amount of tomato mixture. 

*Making this recipe the day before lets the flavors marry and makes it even more delicious! :)