Fresh, Simple Ingredients = Delicious Food

Happy Thursday!

Let's talk bruschetta.

Bruschetta = From the Italian word meaning "roasted over coals."

I love that there are endless possibilities in the flavors you can combine to create a fresh and delicious topping for these wonderful little concoctions. Usually I don't measure any of the ingredients and just make everything to taste. But, since I had a friend ask me for my recipe of how I make my bruschetta, I decided I need to make a quick batch and MEASURE most all the ingredients. So here is one version that I really enjoy and it is quick and easy to make.

Jill's Bruschetta Recipe

Topping:

3 Roma tomatoes

3-4 Fresh basil leaves

1 1/4 tsp. minced dried onion *You could also use a fresh onion, but I think the minced onion gives it a good flavor too.

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar *I used a cherry aged balsamic, which has a wonderful flavor.

Pinch of lemon-herb seasoning

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Garnish with 1 1/2 tsp. of feta cheese

1) Cut the tomatoes in small square (diced) pieces and put into a small bowl.

2) Roll up the basil leaves and slice in thin pieces and add to the tomatoes.

3) Add the minced onion, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and gently mix together with a spoon.

4) Top mixture with feta cheese and set aside.

Bread:

*Use your favorite french baguette bread.

1) Slice the baguette on an angle for 1/2 inch thick pieces.

2) Place on sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil.

3) Toast in oven under the broil setting or if you have a roast setting for about 3-5 minutes; be sure to keep an eye on them, so that they don't burn. When they are a nice golden color, remove from oven.

4) Serve baguette pieces on a platter with the topping in a bowl and everyone can serve themselves.

*Another variation I love, is to add a slice of fresh mozzarella to the baguette pieces and toast, then spread the topping over them--so yummy!

What are your favorite bruschetta toppings?