BRUSCHETTA

Bruschetta is a tasty Italian appetizer or snack.  It is traditionally made by piling ripe tomatoes onto toasted garlic bread.

Prep time:  40 minutes
Cook time:  5 minutes
Serves 2

Ingredients:
4 x 1 inch (2.5 cm) slices Italian style bread, such as ciabatta
3 medium-sized ripe tomatoes
1 tbsp. olive oil
6 basil leaves
1 clove garlic, peeled

Equipment:
knife
cutting board
metal spoon
sieve
bowl
grill pan

1.  Halve and seed the tomatoes.  Press the seeds through a sieve over a bowl, then discard the seeds.  Dice the tomatoes and add to the bowl.

2.  Add the olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.  Let stand for 30 minutes.  Roll up the basil leaves, hop finely, then add to the mixture.

3.  Toast the bread on both sides, preferably in a grill pan to create dark lines, or under a preheated broiler.

4.  Rub the warm bread with the clove of garlic.  Place each piece of bread on a plate and heap with the tomato mixture.

Tip:  Try adding some torn mozzarella, which can also be lightly toasted under a broiler.