Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Whether it's pronounced "brews-keh-tah" or "brew-shet-tah," this recipe is simple and delicious.  It's basically toasted bread with a fantastic raw salad.  You can easily make this vegan by solely using olive oil to brown the bread.  Keep this one simple and leave the fancy techniques for another occasion.

If you've seen "Julie & Julia," this dish was inspired by one of the scenes.  Julie makes this dish right before deciding to start a blog.  

2 of 3 dishes from my Late Summer Supper Spectacular

Serves 4 or 2 hungry people

INGREDIENTS

- 1/2 of an italian round bread

- Olive oil

- 2 tbsp unsalted butter

- 4 tomatoes, chopped

- 1/2 cup of yellow cherry tomatoes

(other yummy alternatives: heirloom tomatoes - if you're feeling ritzy)

- 1/3 cup English cucumber, chopped

- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped

- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

- Kosher salt 

- Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Wash the vegetables and basil.  Chop and place in a large bowl.  Drizzle with a healthy amount of extra virgin olive oil and toss to combine.  Do not season with salt and freshly ground black pepper until you're ready to serve.

Slice the bread into 1/2-1" pieces.  Add olive oil and butter to a cast iron pan over medium/low heat.

If you're like me, you'll smell the bread first before slicing it.  I love the smell of bread!

Toast until they're golden brown on each side.

 Serve the tomato and basil salad on top of the toast.  Enjoy!