Bruschetta

While shopping this weekend on our weekly Whole Foods run, I was greeted by a display of beautiful fresh basil plants at the entrance to the building. I have been wanting to start a whole fresh herb garden but unfortunately, the way our apartment is situated, it's hard to get direct sunlight onto the plants for me to grow a lot of them. However, this basil plant was just calling to me to take it home and make delicious meals with it's leaves - and so that's what I did...and that's how Baby Basil came into my life an inspired this weekend's appetizer to pair with a glass of wine: Italian Bruschetta. Bruschetta can be made in many different ways, but personally, I like mine with cheese on it... everything's better with cheese! So here's my take on a classic Italian appetizer (or side dish!)

Saz's Bruschetta
1 Italian or French Baguette
2 tsp fresh Parsley
2 tbsp Red Bell Pepper diced
3 Garlic Cloves
2 tbsp fresh Basil
1 1/2 large Tomatoes
2 tbsp diced Onion
5 oz Shredded Mozzarella
1-2 tbsp Pecorino Romano Cheese

First off, how beautiful are the colors of this dish?

Hi Baby Basil!! Welcome to your new home!

> First, chop/dice up your Parsley, Basil, Tomatoes, Red Bell Pepper, Onion, & Garlic.

Parsley

Red Bell Pepper

Garlic Cloves

Basil

Onion

> In a large bowl - mix all those ingredients together thoroughly.

> Cut a fresh baguette in half laterally, and then in half again so you have 4 equal pieces.

> Top each baguette with your veggie mixture - look at how pretty it looks! :)

> Now top that with your Mozzarella cheese and Pecorino Romano.

> Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes and then on HI Broil for 4 minutes.

How simple was that?! All in all this takes about 20 minutes to make from start to finish and is a great appetizer or side dish to any meal! It's so simple, and quite healthy (especially since I used Part Skim Mozzarella). It was so good I made it two nights in a row -- the second night, I actually mixed the cheese in with the tomato mixture (instead of just putting it on top) which was a great change up as well. Also, if you want to make this non-Vegetarian and add some meat into it, I have made it with Sweet Italian Sausage which is an incredible addition! ENJOY! :)