Bruschetta

 This is absolutely my favorite thing to make with all those tomatoes from the garden.  The smell of garlic and basil makes my mouth water!  It really is a tasty treat.  My husband is mad about Bruschetta!!!

Bruschetta

Ingredients:

2 Tbl Olive Oil

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 pint red grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 pint yellow grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise (or use all red)

1 Tbl Balsamic vinegar

16 whole basil leaves, finely chopped

salt and pepper to taste (don't over salt!)

1 whole baguette

8 Tbl butter

Instructions:

In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium-heat.  Add garlic and stir, lightly frying for about a minute, removing before the garlic gets too brown (it can be golden.)  Pour into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.

Add tomatoes, balsamic, basil, and salt and pepper to the bowl.  Toss to combine, then taste and add more basil if needed, and more salt if needed (don't over salt though!)  Cover and refrigerate for an hour or two if you have the time.

Cut  the baguette into diagonal slices to allow for the most surface area possible.  Melt half the butter in a large skillet and grill half the bread on both sides, making sure they're nice and buttery.  Cook till golden brown on both sides.  Repeat with the other half of the butter and the other half of the bread.

To serve, give the tomato mixture a final stir, then spoon generously over the slices of bread.  Serve on a big platter as a first course or appetizer.  I serve with our meal as a side dish!  Enjoy!