- Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella Bruschetta -

And we're going Italian with the appetizer. I have to say while this might not be the best tidbit for a wedding (unless you want your guests to walk around with tomato up and down their front), it does, however, make an amazing homestyle side dish or appetizer. "Crunch, onion! garlic, acid, sweet, chunky cheese, there's that kick of basil!" is literally what you think when you bite into this pile of Italian goodness. Will you crave it, you ask? .... yes...yes you will. WARNING: may cause out of control devour-ment which will leave you without friends because you left them without food.......sorry loves.

Tomato Basil Mozzarella Bruschetta

Ingredients:
1/2 of a Baguette (about 12 thin slices)
Olive Oil
1/2 of a Shallot, minced
1 clove of Garlic, minced
5 Campari Tomatoes, chopped into small cubes (I try to get out most of the seeds and discard them)
2 quarter inch slices of Mozzarella, (cubed the same size as the tomatoes)
1 T. of chopped Basil
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Pepper

Directions:
Put the tomatoes into a bowl, and set aside.

Brush all the slices of baguettes on one side with olive oil. Drizzle large skillet pan with olive oil put on burner over a medium heat. Put in the baguette slices, olive oil sides down, and let cook for a minute or two, until it is nicely golden-brown. Turn over a cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute more on the plain side. Turn off heat and remove the bread from the pan, arranging on a plate. 

Meanwhile in a small skillet pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over a medium heat. Add the shallot and cook till translucent, about a minute (don't let it burn!). Add the garlic and cook for another 20-30 seconds. Remove from heat and add to the tomatoes in the bowl. Stir together with wooden spoon and let cool a couple of minutes. Then add the basil, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and a small drizzle of olive oil. Stir together and then top all the baguette slices with a small pile of the tomato mixture. Eat right away! Serves 4

Enjoy!