ToMAYto, ToMAHto

I know I already posted a recipe for tomato bruschetta but I had the idea for this after sampling a similar treat at work. Aside from making the pesto, this recipe is easier to prepare than the traditional version, with the same flavors. What's great is that once the pesto is made, you can make as much or little as you want!

Pesto and Tomato Bruschetta

Printable version

Ingredients:

• 12 slices Italian bread
• 2-3 Roma tomatoes
• Pesto:
• 1c basil, loosley packed, chopped
• 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp pine nuts, chopped
• 1/4 c finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 c extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 Tbsp white or balsamic vinegar*

Directions:

1) Prepare pesto: chop basil (requires more of a slicing action than chopping, or use scissors).

2) Put basil, pine nuts, garlic and salt into a blender or food processor.

3) Pour olive oil into blender and pulse until blended evenly.

4) Blend/process on a high setting until smooth.

5) Transfer to a small bowl.

6) Mix in cheese and vinegar.

7) Prepare bruschetta!: Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
8) Thinly slice tomatoes.

9) Place slices of bread on baking sheet.
10) Cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted.
11) Remove bread from baking sheet.
12) Spread a thin layer of pesto sauce on each slice, place 2-3 tomatoes on each slice and top with Parmesan.

13) Enjoy!

*If you are making pesto for a different use, leave out vinegar.

You Say Tomato...

The first time I decided to make this I was already at the grocery store so I kinda made up what ingredients I thought I'd need. I then looked up a recipe for amounts but instead of basil I had-and-used parsley. While mine is less traditional, it's still delicious so you should give it a try!

Tomato Bruschetta
Printable recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 vine tomatoes
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley or basil (or fresh basil if you have it)
• 3 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp vinegar (balsamic if you have it but any will work)
• French or ciabatta bread, sliced

Optional:

• Sliced fresh mozzarella

Directions:
1) Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.
2) In a small bowl, mix together garlic, parsley, oil and vinegar.

Works best if you pour oil & vinegar over parsley.

3) Dice tomatoes and transfer to small bowl or storage container.
4) Slice bread (if it's not already) and place on a baking sheet. Toast in oven for 5 minutes until lightly browned.

I just used my toaster oven.

6) Mix parsley/garlic mixture into tomatoes.

7) Once bread is toasted, place a slice if mozzarella if desired, then spoon tomatoes on top.

8) Enjoy!