Tomato and Black Olive Bruschetta

Sometimes I don’t git home ’til late and I’m only a little bit hungry. Actually,  I’ll tell you what, it’s times like that I sure don’t feel like cookin’! That’s when I just pour myself a glass of a nice Cabernet or Merlot, slice me up some of the baguette that I need to use before it goes bad, and make me some easy bruschetta.  Then, I put it all on a big plate, plop myself down in front of the TV and  watch me some  of them crazy House Of Cards episodes!  Don’t you just love Kevin Spacey’s character? I don’t know which is more tasty… his delicious misbehavin’ or my fresh tomato bruschetta.

Tomato and Black Olive Bruschetta

Recipe by: Bobbi Jo Lathan

Recipe type: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian

Serves: 4

PREP TIME

10 mins

COOK TIME

5 mins

TOTAL TIME

15 mins

INGREDIENTS

6 Roma tomatoes (cored, seeded, and diced)

⅓ cup black olives (sliced)

⅓ cup fresh basil (torn)

¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)

2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 crusty Italian baguette (cut into ½ inch slices)

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1 fresh garlic clove

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Place the balsamic vinegar in a mixing bowl and whisk in the olive oil a little at a time.

3. Add the tomatoes, sliced olives, 2 cloves fresh minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and mix. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper (or whatever other spices or herbs you like). You won’t add the fresh basil ‘til the end.

4. Set aside at room temperature (do not refrigerate) while you prepare the bread.

5. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet .

6. Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil and place back on the baking sheet.

7. Sprinkle, on top side only, salt and black pepper.

8. Toast in oven until browned and crisp. About 3-5 minutes.

9. Take out of oven and use a hot pad to hold slices of bread while you rub each toasted slice of bread with the fresh garlic clove for flavor.

10. Now, place some grated Parmesan cheese on each toasted slice of bread.

11. Scoop of the tomato mixture on each slice.

12. Tear the fresh basil into little pieces and place over tomato mixture.

13. Now, pour yourself a big glass of Merlot and dig in! You deserve it!!

NOTES

You can substitute mozzarella or myzithra Greek cheese or create your own recipe; peaches and marscarpone bruschetta, roasted dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, or sautéed mushroom and pancetta bruschetta. You’re the boss!