More Tomato Treats

Still have tomatoes in your garden?

Here is my all time favorite way to use tomatoes. I first sampled this treat in a little trattoria in Rome.

Bruschetta-serves two.

Chop two medium tomatoes, discarding core and stem end. It is worth it to find the best flavored tomatoes you can.
Tear three or four leaves of basil and mix with tomatoes.
Salt and Pepper to taste.
Allow to sit while you complete the rest of the recipe.

Slice a loaf of European style bread into thin slices. (Eight slices will do for two people, depending on the size of the loaf.)
Dip one side of each slice in oil olive and lay oil side down on a hot griddle until golden brown.
Rub a raw garlic clove across the toasted face of each slice and lay bread on a baking sheet.
Preheat broiler.
Top bread with shredded mozzarella cheese, slivered onions, pepperoncini slices, mushrooms, or pepperoni. Your choice. I usually just have cheese, onions, and peppers because I always have those on hand.
Grill under a hot broiler until cheese is melted and beginning to brown.

To eat, spoon a little of the tomato mix on the bread and enjoy. The flavors of the toasted bread, olive oil, garlic, with the tomato and basil will burst in your mouth.

Bruschetta makes a lovely appetizer to share with someone special at the beginning of a delightful meal. Or, we often have it for a summer lunch. Light and filling.

To make a party type appetizer, toast bite-sized bread slices, but do not top. Guests can spoon a little tomato mix over them and pop into their mouths.