Bruschetta

Posted on: Feb 2, 2014        In: In the Kitchen, Recipes        With: No comments

It was weird.  For our Super Bowl gathering, we had bruschetta.  Now, that is not weird in itself, but what was weird was – This Italian appetizer is not usually served with Frito Pie.  Our menu was rather typical for a Super Bowl gathering – Pigs in the blanket, Frito pie, and all the trimmings (pico de gallo, guacamole, queso, plus other toppings).  All of that was delicious, but truth be known.  I had really been wanting to make and eat bruschetta.  The basil at the Krogers was beautiful, so I just went for it.  Sweet Mother of Pearl.  I am here to tell you. The bruschetta was as good as I remembered, and I am so glad I made it.  It was a big hit with all.  (Ever-Lovin’ declared it, “Super.”)  It was worth it to mix things up a bit – even if it was an Italian appetizer combined with the state dish of Texas (chili) .

bruschetta

Bruschetta is super easy.  You only need garlic, tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar (get a good quality), and French bread (plus a few more  items you will have in your pantry).

bruschetta

Finely chop the garlic, and place in a small skillet with a little olive oil.

bruschetta

Cook the garlic until it is lightly browned.  Be careful not to let the garlic burn.  Words can not express the  aroma that will fill you home.  It smell was strong, but do not worry.  The finished bruschetta did not have a strong garlic taste.  Set the garlic aside to slightly cool.

bruschetta

Take a handful of that beautiful basil and remove the stems.  You just want to use the leaves.  Roll the leaves together into a “cigar”, and chop the basil.

bruschetta

Chop those beautiful leaves. Then you need to chop the tomatoes also.  I had Roma tomatoes, but you can also use the little grape or cherry tomatoes.  For special occasions, use both the red and yellow tomatoes.  Makes it purdy.

bruschetta

Combine the garlic, basil, tomatoes and balsamic vinegar.  Balsamic vinegar – aged goodness.  Buy a good quality balsamic vinegar.  It makes a difference.

Then add salt and pepper to taste.  Do not over salt.  You should leave this goodness on the counter for about an hour before serving.  That way the flavors combine and get happy.

bruschetta

Meanwhile, slice the French bread.  Melt butter in a large skillet and place sliced bread in the skillet. (You will have to repeat with the rest of the bread.)  The Krogers only had the large loaves of French bread, so I only needed 1/2 a loaf.  I really like to use the small loaves.

bruschetta

Cook until the bread is browned on both sides.  Watch the bread slices carefully so that they do not burn (see example).

bruschetta

When you are ready to serve the bruschetta, spoon the garlic, basil, tomato goodness that has soaked up the heavenly balsamic vinegar onto the grilled bread slices.  You want to be sure to get some of the oh-so-delicious juice on each slice.

Be still my heart.  Bruschetta makes my heart sing.  The fresh ingredients make me feel I am being healthy, but true confession – when you eat too much of anything, it is not healthy.  I ate too much bruschetta, but… it was so good.  In the end, it really didn’t seem so weird to serve bruschetta with Frito Pie.  Something that tastes this great goes with any and everything.

Try it.  It is easy, delicious, addictive, and makes a huge impression.

Blessings to you and yours,

Bruschetta can be served as an appetizer or as a salad.  Heck, serve it as an entree if you want a meatless meal.

 

Bruschetta

By Lana Published: February 2, 2014

  • Yield: 12 Servings

Garlic, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar served over grilled French bread is easy and delicious. Your guest will be impressed.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a small skillet. Add chopped garlic and cook until the garlic is lightly browned. Watch carefully so that it does not burn. Set aside to cool.
  2. Remove the stems from the fresh basil. Roll the leaves together to form a "cigar". Chop.
  3. Dice tomatoes. If using grape tomatoes, slice in halves or quarters.
  4. Combine garlic, basil, and tomatoes. Add balsamic vinegar. Mix together and let rest on the counter for about an hour before serving.
  5. While tomato mixture is resting, melt 1/2 stick of butter in a large skillet. Place bread slices into the pan, and grill the bread on both sides. Be sure to get butter on both sides of the bread. Repeat with the rest of the bread. Watch bread closely. It can quickly burn.
  6. When ready to serve, spoon tomato mixture onto bread slices. Be sure get some of the juice on each bread slice. You can serve the prepared bruschetta or let guest serve themselves.
  7. Enjoy!