Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

BothFex's Note:

My first culinary "success." This recipe came from a great book _Cucina Amore_, and is often requested by friends and family.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 6 roma tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 1/4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• 8 slices Italian bread, cut about 1 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Directions:

1. Whisk together chopped garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and basil.
2. When combined slowly drizzle in oil.
3. Add tomatoes and let sit for 20 minutes at room temp.
4. Meanwhile back at the bat cave, toast the bread.
5. This can be done either in the toaster (if it's got really wide slots) or under the broiler (if using this method watch closely so it doesn't become a brickette).
6. When the bread is toasted rub each piece, on one side, with the whole garlic pieces.
7. Place the bread on a cookie sheet and top with tomato mixture.
8. Sprinkle on a little cheese and broil till the cheese melts (you can skip that last broiling bit and it's equally as wonderful).
9. Serve immediately.
10. The tomato mixture also makes a wonderful vinegrette for an antipasto salad.
11. Enjoy!

Reviews

[Miss Annie]

Nice and easy! This has great flavor, and eye appeal. It was easy to put together and bake. I followed your directions and did not alter anything in the recipe. A nice variety of flavors and textures. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I will be using this one again!

[Jodi B.]

Delicious bruschetta!!! What an amazing, tasty appetizer & so easy to pull together. Your family or guests will be amazed because this bruschetta is equal, if not better than any you will find prepared by the best Italian restaurants. I made some simple adjustments by adding 1/3 cup of finely diced red onion & also upped the balsamic to 1 tablespoon. For the best taste, use the finest EXTRA virgin olive oil you can find (or afford!) & you will feel like you are in Italy!

[lizeroo]

forgot to add my stars!