Bruschetta

1. Preparation

Gather all the ingredients and equipment: a bowl, a slicing knife, a cutting board, and a baking sheet.

Dice the ripe tomatoes into small cubes, ensuring to remove excess seeds for a less watery topping.

Finely chop the fresh basil leaves and add them to the diced tomatoes.

Peel and finely chop the garlic, then add it to the tomato and basil mixture.

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.

Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Cooking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Slice the baguette or Italian bread into 1/2 inch thick slices.

Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Brush the tops of the bread slices with olive oil for a richer flavor.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the bread for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bread cool slightly.

Spoon the tomato, basil, and garlic mixture generously onto each piece of toasted bread.

3. Serving

Arrange the bruschetta on a serving platter.

Optionally, drizzle a little more olive oil on top for added flavor and shine.

Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy.