Bruschetta with Garden Tomatoes and Basil

UPDATE: Bruschetta (pronounced “brusketta”) is a healthy snack or appetizer and easy to make. (Chopping tomatoes required, but can be therapeutic.) If you’re so lucky to have vine-ripened tomatoes and homegrown basil on hand, this refreshing Italian dish promises to be extra flavorful. The tomatoes add a rich source of lycopene making it a red-hot antioxidant that’s protective against aging and a growing list of cancers.

What’s In It…

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/8 red onion, chopped
• 5 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 9-10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Freshly ground pepper
• Sea salt to taste
• 1 whole grain baguette, sliced in 3/4″ diagonal slices OR Ezekiel 4:9® Flax Sprouted Whole Grain Bread, sliced into four squares
• Pesto (olive oil-basil)

How It’s Made…

1.  Mix all ingredients in a small bowl:

2.  Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt/pepper and stir.

3.  Place bread on a baking sheet and broil on “HIGH” on top rack for about 45-90 seconds until golden brown. Flip over and repeat.

4.  Remove bread to a platter and brush slices with pesto.

5. Spread the colorful tomato-herb mixture on top of the warm toast.

Approximately 32 servings.

xo