FRESH TOMATO & BASIL BRUSCHETTA

" A man taking basil from a woman will love her always."

~ Sir Thomas Moore

FRESH TOMATO & BASIL BRUSCHETTA

~ Before frost hits the basil, once again treat yourself to this memorable appetizer

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Bruschetta

Italian bread or french baguette
1 cup loosely packed chopped parsley
1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter
1/2 tsp. coarse salt
freshly cracked pepper to taste
1/2 -3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese


Tomato Topping

3 1/2 cups chopped & seeded ripe plum tomatoes
3 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
pinch of coarse salt
freshly ground pepper to taste

• Combine chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil and salt & pepper. Let stand at room temperature.
• Preheat oven to 400-degrees. Blend butter, parsley, salt & pepper. Spread on bread. Dip bread in grated Parmesan cheese to cover surface. Bake 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
• Slice bread in serving size pieces and top with tomato mixture.