Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a grilled or toasted bread appetizer, native to Italy, which has become a popular item served in a variety of restaurants in America. Toasted bread is usually sprinkled or rubbed with olive oil and garlic, and then topped with assorted ingredients, including: basil, chopped tomatoes or tomato paste, anchovies, olives, mushrooms, and occasionally cheese. Bruschetta is easy enough to make at home for a family snack, and it's festive for guests.

Here are two recipes to get you started.

It is worth noting that in Italian, bruschetta is pronounced
"bru-SKET-ta,"
though in English-speaking countries it is commonly pronounced "bru-SHET-ta."

Enjoy!!!
B.D.


Tomato Bruschetta

12 oz. loaf Italian bread in 1" diagonal slices
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, cut into fourths
1 small yellow pepper, chopped
3 Tbs. olive oil
3 cloves garlic (1 minced, 2 split in half)
1 Tbs. fresh basil, chopped
2 Tbs. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Place bread directly on grill or on broiler rack in oven.
Lightly toast both sides about 2 minutes.

In small bowl, combine tomatoes, pepper, one Tbs. olive oil, minced garlic and basil.
Rub one slice of each toasted bread slice with split garlic cloves and then brush with olive oil. Place heaping spoonfuls of tomato mixture onto each slice and sprinkle with cheese.

Makes 8 servings.


Bruschetta with Mushrooms

16 oz. Mushrooms sliced or chopped
2 cloves garlic-peeled
Pinch of cayenne
Salt to taste
1/2 cup – 1 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white wine if available

Sauté mushrooms in olive oil with the above ingredients for 15 minutes.
Set aside until ready to use as topping for bruschetta.

Toast slices of white or whole wheat bread. Rub with peeled garlic clove.
Sprinkle with salt.
Drizzle with olive oil (be generous).
Top with sautéed mushrooms.

Serve warm.