Classic Brushetta

Brushetta.. the classic appetizer. We had it recently at a friend's place, and it was so good that it was gone in 2 seconds. I've never tried to make it so I decided to try it out the other day at home. Here's how it turned out ..

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes or 4 Roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
Salt and Black pepper to taste
5 medium fresh basil leaves, chopped
4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
8 slices French or Italian bread

1. Make the brushetta topping first (I like to call it Italian tomato salsa). Combine the garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper together in a bowl. Add to it, the chopped tomatoes and half of the chopped basil. Refrigerate before serving.
2. Slice the Italian or French bread loaf. Brush with olive oil and bake in 375 degree oven for a few minutes until toasted to a golden brown.
3. Top each slice with tomato mixture and garnish with remaining chopped basil and serve immediately.

This was the first course followed by the mini Greek pizzas. Both ended up being a success. In fact, they compliment each other perfectly. We garnished our Greek pizzas with the "Italian tomato salsa" and it was the perfect explosion of flavors in your mouth.