Bruschetta

I first had this simple appetizer at the Hard Rock Cafe in Downtown Disney several years ago. It was so tasty that my sisters and I woofed it down in minutes.

In all fairness, we do this with most foods.

Then I went to college and started making this easy version as a quick dinner. A lot. There's something about tomatoes and basil that make any meal delicious.

You will need: half a baguette, 2 medium tomatoes, 10 basil leaves, 3 cloves of garlic,  4 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 2 Tbsp butter.

First smash the garlic with your knife to get the skins off and give it a rough chop.

Next sprinkle the 1/2 tsp of salt on top of the garlic and start scraping it onto the board. The salt halps break up the garlic and make it into a kind of paste.

Throw it into a medium sized bowl.

Next get a bunch of basil leaves...

And give them a rough chop.

Throw them into the bowl.

I've been over-picking from my basil plant lately. He's starting to look sad.

Now add 1 Tbsp of olive oil to the bowl.

Followed by 1 Tbsp of balsamic vinegar. I love balsamic vinegar.

Now chop up some tomatoes...

And throw them into the bowl too.

I love tomatoes. My whole family does. In the summer we eat them with every meal. Literally. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Next add the 1/2 tsp of slat. I got excited about the photo and went a little overboard on the salt there. Try not to do that.

Then add the 1/4 tsp of pepper.

I actually went overboard on the pepper on purpose. I love pepper.

 

Now stir it all up.

Let the tomato mixture sit for a bit while you get the bread ready. Add 2 Tbsp each of butter and olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the sliced half baguette to the skillet. Allow to brown.

Once it's brown on one side, flip it over and brown the other.

Arrange your bread on a plate...

And top with the tomato mixture. So tasty.

Bruschetta

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• half a baguette, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 10 basil leaves, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced and ground into a paste
• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 Tbsp butter.

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except 2 Tbsp each of butter and olive oil in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add the 2 Tbsp each butter and olive oil.
3. Once the butter and oil are hot, add the sliced baguette and toast on both sides.
4. Arrange the toasted bread on a plate and top with the tomato mixture.
5. Enjoy!