Simple Bruschetta

Tis the season for potlucks! The sign up sheet makes it's rounds and you have an option to bring an appetizer, side dish, main or a dessert. Well here is a simple yet tasty appetizer that you can bring and is easy to whip up last minute, and needs minimal ingredients.

In the last two weeks I have already been to 3 parties/get togethers, and in the upcoming 3 weeks I have about 7 more that we have to bring something too. I honestly don't mind bringing something, I always offer. This year though I have been signing up more for appetizers and sides. 

I am not completely into sweets this holiday season. I love sweets but this year I am kinda feel "meh" about them. I am still baking my traditional few treats to give away to friends and family, but I don't have the biggest desire to eat them this year. So if we go to a party I am more then happy to bring a savory dish that I know I love as well.

Bruschetta is similar to a fresh salsa but an Italian version, that has vinegar instead of lemon juice or lime juice, basil and garlic instead of jalapenos and onions. To me it's simple to throw together last minute and is usually one of the first things to go. I think it's because of the bright pop of colour, which psychologically we are actually attracted to, and the fresh simple flavours. 

What I love too is that everyone's is a little bit different, different tomatoes, bread, vinegar and other mix ins. I like to spread goat cheese on the bottom of the bread sometimes and add the bruschetta on top. Most of the time I like to sprinkle a bit of freshly grated parmesan reggiano cheese on top of the bruschetta. 
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Simple Bruschetta:

Ingredients:

2 large tomatoes, or 4 Roma tomatoes
6 large fresh basil leaves
3 galric cloves minced
3 tablespoons of olive oil
​1 - 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar 
1/4 cup of parmesan reggiano
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Dice tomatoes into a diced size that your prefer. I prefer smaller sized dices. Place in a medium sized bowl.

Place basil leaves on top of one another and roll them up tightly. Thinly slice the rolled up leaves with a knife. Sprinkle the thin slices over the tomato dices.

Peel and mince the garlic, place in the bowl with the tomatoes and garlic. Mix together with a spoon so that it is all evenly incorporated. 

Pour the olive oil and vinegar on top and season with salt and pepper. Mix together, cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavours to mix together.

Cut a French baguette into 1 inch slices, spoon some bruschetta on top and then sprinkle with the cheese. Serve on a platter already portioned out or serve with the bread and bruschetta in separate bowls so people can dish themselves up.

If you really feel up to it and have some time, you can make your own French bread, it is actually easier then you think. A great option for people who have gluten intolerances are to have gluten free crackers on the side in a separate bowl as an option. 

Enjoy! 

What are your go to recipes that you take to pot lucks?

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