Traditional Italian Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Ingredients

• Baguette (1, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons)
• Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup plus extra for brushing the bread)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, finely chopped)
• Ripe tomatoes (4 medium-sized, finely diced)

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. Allow the tomato mixture to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to marry together beautifully.
3. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush each piece with additional olive oil.
5. Toast the bread slices in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
6. Once toasted, remove the baguette slices from the oven and let them cool slightly.
7. Generously top each toasted bread slice with the tomato and basil mixture.
8. Serve the bruschetta immediately. Enjoy this little taste of Italy right in your kitchen!