Bruschetta

INGREDIENTS

• 6 or 7 ripe tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped.
• 1/4 cup of parmesan
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 baguette French bread or similar Italian bread
• 1/4 cup olive oil

METHOD

• Chop up the tomatoes, onions and pepper finely. Put the vegetables, garlic, 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, vinegar in a bowl and mix. Add the chopped basil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Turn on the oven to 450°F to preheat.
• Slice the baguette on a diagonal about 1/2 inch thick slices. Coat one side of each slice with olive oil using a pastry brush. Place on a cooking sheet. Once the oven has reached 450°F, place a tray of bread slices in the oven on the top rack. Toast for 5-6 minutes, until the bread just begins to turn golden brown.
• Align the bread on a serving platter, olive oil side up. Place some topping on each slice of bread and add the cheese and just put it in the oven for a minute so that the cheese can melt . If you top each slice with the tomatoes, do it right before serving or the bread may get soggy.