Bruschetta

If you’ve read my post My adventures with Neapolitan pizza pie, you know I’m a huge fan of Italian cuisine. I love the rustic, simplicity of it, as well as the sense of family it embraces. It’s all about quality ingredients and unbuttoning your pants to make room for more because Nonni’s plating up your fourth serving of lasagna.

Bruschetta is an appetizer you’ll find at a lot of Italian restaurants. It has different variations, but traditionally it’s toasted bread that’s been rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil, and commonly topped with a medley of tomatoes and basil. Although I do not come from an Italian family, caprese and bruschetta have always been staples on our app menu—especially late summer when my dad’s tomato garden is in full swing.

I’ve tried many a bruschetta, and I will say I think mine is the best I’ve had (thus far). I like to combine elements of caprese with bruschetta to get the ultimate Italian app. The key to getting depth of flavor is rubbing the crostinis (or “little toasts”) with a clove of garlic after they’ve been grilled. It gives the toast a nice garlic aroma to perfume the rest of the toppings. I also like to add balsamic vinegar to the tomato mixture for a tangy kick.The soft, fresh mozzarella counterbalances the crusty bread and cuts the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.

Honestly, my mouth is watering right now thinking about it—I’ve got to finish this post so I can make some.

Buon appetito!

BRUSCHETTA

INGREDIENTS

• tomatoes (I like using heirlooms because I’m a tomato snob)
• basil
• garlic
• balsamic vinegar
• olive oil
• fresh mozzarella
• ciabatta (or any rustic bread)
• salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Dice tomatoes and put them in a large mixing bowl. Julienne the basil and throw in the bowl. Mince garlic (approx. 1 clove per 4 medium tomatoes) or use a press, add it to tomato mixture, and toss. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to coat—tasting to test for balanced acidity levels. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Rest for at least 30 mins to let flavors meld.

Cut bread into slices and drizzle with olive oil. Toast under the broiler or on a grill, making sure not to let it burn. Once toasted, cut the end off a garlic clove and rub each toast with it (both sides if you’re trying to keep vampires away). Top crostinis with fresh mozzarella and a spoonful of bruschetta.

For best flavor, serve at room temp.