Tomato & Basil Bruschetta

A refreshing appetizer served on baguettes; Ideal for parties and dinners.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2  French baguettes (24 slices)
• 10  red Italian tomatoes, chopped
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  tablespoons  balsamic vinegar
• 1⁄2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1  shallot, chopped (optional)
• 1  dash salt
• 1  dash pepper, to taste
• 1⁄3 cup  chopped fresh basil, mix with oil and vinegar, to put on top of baguettes

Directions

1. 1. Par boil tomatoes, for 1 minute; remove skin, cut in half remove seeds if possible.
2. 2. Chop the tomatoes fine; put in bowl with garlic, 1 tablespoon oil, vinegar. Mix well.
3. 3. Add 1/3rd cup chopped basil, garli, salt and pepper.
4. 4. Slice the baguette on a diagonal 1/2 inch slices. Rub garlic on the slices.
5. 5. Drizzle oil on one side and use pastry brush to spread.
6. 6. Place baguettes on baking sheet., oil side down; toast in upper rack of oven for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.
7. 7. To serve, align the bread on the serving platter, oil side down. Place tomato mixture on each piece of bread. You may add additional minced basil/oil mixture on top. Serve.
8. Variations: Add mozzarella cheese, peppers etc.