Italian Tomato Basil Bruschetta

 "Ingredients:

- 1 loaf of Italian bread or baguette

- 4 ripe tomatoes

- 2 cloves of garlic

- 1 bunch of fresh basil 

- 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Nutrition Info: Calories: 180, Carbs: 22g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 9g

Directions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). We want the oven nice and hot to achieve the perfect crunchy bruschetta.

2. Slice the bread into 1-inch thick slices. Brush both sides of each slice with a generous amount of olive oil. This will give your bread a rich flavor and help it to crisp up in the oven.

3. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

4. While the bread is toasting, dice your tomatoes and chop the basil. Combine these in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple blend will be the topping for your bruschetta.

5. Peel the garlic cloves and cut them in half. Once the bread is toasted, rub the cut side of the garlic on one side of each slice. This will infuse the bread with a subtle garlic flavor.

6. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture onto the garlic-rubbed side of each slice. If you'd like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for some extra flavor.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tip: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for this recipe. They'll give your bruschetta a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the basil and garlic. Also, rubbing the bread with garlic is a traditional Italian technique that gives you a hint of garlic flavor without overpowering the dish. If you love garlic, feel free to use more!

Unique Twist: To add a unique twist to your bruschetta, try adding some chopped olives or capers to your tomato and basil mixture. Or, for a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little balsamic reduction over the top before serving."