Bruschetta

This is one of my favorite appetizers. The recipe is a result of a lot of trial and error but I think the end product is wonderful! It's very garlicky and bursting with great flavor - super when your looking for a more sophisticated appetizer. Cooking time includes marinating time for the tomatoes.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 25 mins
• Serves: 15-20

Ingredients

• 6  ripe plum tomatoes
• 1  lb fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into thin pieces
• 3 -4  chopped garlic cloves
• 4 -5  fresh basil leaves, finely slivered (fresh basil is the key to this recipe!)
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  fresh baguette, sliced into 1/4 inch slices
• 1⁄2-3⁄4 cup  good quality olive oil (the darker the color, the better)

Directions

1. Dice to tomatoes and place in a small bowl.
2. Add salt, 2-3 tablespoons olive oil and basil.
3. Toss to coat and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours for flavors to blend well.
4. Blend together the garlic and remaining olive oil.
5. Brush both sides of each slice of bread with the olive oil mixture.
6. Place bread slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 7 minutes turning halfway through until a little crispy.
7. Remove bread from oven and place a slice of the fresh mozzarella on each piece.
8. Return bread slices to oven and bake for a few minutes longer, until cheese melts but does not bubble.
9. Remove bread slices from the oven and spoon about 1 tsp of the tomato mixture onto each slice.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.