Bruschetta is one of the simplest and most flavorful things in the world to make. Best of all it is ready in few minutes. Bruchetta is toasted bread that is seasoned with garlic and olive oil. The name comes from the Italian word bruscare which means “bet you can’t eat just one”. . . No, actually it means “to roast over coals.” But for this recipe your good ol’ oven will work just as well!

Serves 6-8 people

Ingredients:
Topping:

  • 1 lb. ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/2″ dice
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (for a spicier version)
  • 1/4 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2″ dice
  • 4 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and cut into dice

Bread:

  • 1 loaf of good French or Italian bread cut into 1″ slices
  • 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • freshly ground pepper
  • basil leaves to garnish

Directions:

  1. Combine all the relish ingredients except the cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, stir well and season to taste.
  2. Turn on the oven (or grill) to a medium heat or to 375 degrees. Mix garlic, olive oil and seasonings together and brush on the bread slices. Place the bread on a cookie sheet and toast for 3-5 minutes, until toasted and crunchy around the edges. Add the cheese and sun-dried tomatoes to the relish and spoon over each slice of bread. Sometimes I return the topped bread slices to the oven until the cheese just begins to melt.

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