Bruschetta

Servings: 10

Total Time: 30 minutes

Bruschetta is the perfect compliment to almost any meal at any time of the year. Here we have created pumpkin-shaped toasts for a festive addition to a Halloween party.

Ingredients:

1 loaf farmhouse bread (baguette or other favorite bread may be substituted)

6 large Roma tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup basil leaves, julienned

1-2 cloves garlic minced, plus 1 clove to rub on bread

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

2 T. olive oil, plus more for brushing on bread

1/4-1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

If desired, cut bread with cookie cutter to create unique shapes. Brush bread slices with olive oil on both sides. Bake in oven preheated to 350 degrees F until bread is golden brown, about 5-9 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Take a peeled clove of garlic and run it lightly over one side of the bread.

Mix remaining ingredients besides parmesan cheese in a bowl close to the time of serving.

To serve, top toasts with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.