Cherry Tomatoes Marinated With Basil on Bruschetta
A winning summertime combination—basil, chives, and tomatoes—on toasted garlic bread. For small appetizers you can slice the baguette into rounds; for lunch, allow two per person. Imported olives make a nice accompaniment.
Author Susan Belsinger (adapted from The Greens Book by Susan Belsinger & Carolyn Dille, Interweave Press, 1995)
Ingredients
1pintcherry or pear-shaped tomatoes, quartered lengthwise and halved crosswise
4tablespoonsolive oil(about)
1tablespoonbalsamic vinegar
1clovegarlic, minced
¼cupchopped chives (common or garlic)
salt
freshly ground pepper
1long baguette or loaf of country-style bread
1–2clovegarlic, peeled (for rubbing toasts)
1cupbasil leaves, cut into chiffonade
½cupcrumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
Combine tomatoes with 2 Tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and chives. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss well. If using feta, scatter over tomatoes.
Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch slices and place on a baking sheet. Toast in a 400°F oven for 6–8 minutes, turning once, until crusty on both sides.
Add basil to the tomato mixture and toss well. Rub hot toasts with the cut sides of garlic and brush with remaining olive oil.
Spoon tomato-herb mixture evenly over toasts and drizzle with a little of the marinade juices. Serve immediately.