Bruschetta with Fresh Basil

By Foodiewife

This is such a simple recipe to make, and it's highly versatile. If you haven't made this, it's so inexpensive and wonderful with a glass of chilled wine or a glass of beer. Delizioso!

Ingredients

• 1 fresh baguette
• Good quality olive oil
• 1 large clove fresh garlic, peeled
• 1 to 2 small garlic cloves, finely minced
• Roma tomatoes (these work best)
• 8 to 12 fresh basil leaves
• Fresh Parmesan-Reggiano (not the stuff in the green can, please)
• Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Slice the baguette, thinly at an angle. Brush each slice with olive oil.

Broil for about 1 minute, but stay close! They can burn very easily. Remove from the broiler and rub the clove of garlic, lightly. Set aside.

Cut and de-seed the tomatoes, by pulling out the pulp and seeds with your fingers.

Cut into small pieces.

Peel and mince a small garlic clove and add to the tomatoes.

Season with kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste.

Add a little bit of olive oil-- just enough to coat the tomatoes.

If desired, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar.

Gently toss and allow to sit for a few minutes.

Pile each basil leave on top of one another, and roll (like a cigar). Slice thin strips. Add to the tomato, garlic and oil mixture and gently toss.

Add a small bite-sized mound on each crostini.

With a micro-plane or small grater, garnish with fresh parmesan.

Watch these disappear!