Bruschetta

Step 1

TOMATOES: Dice the tomatoes into very small, even-sized pieces and place in a medium sized bowl. With your hands (don't use a knife), rip the basil leaves into small pieces. Gently stir together the tomatoes and basil and then form a dome with the mixture.

Step 2

TOMATOES CONT.: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the dome and then sprinkle salt (to taste) on top (I start with 1/2 tsp fine sea salt). Do not stir in the olive oil or salt. Set aside, uncovered, at room temperature for 45 minutes to an hour to marinate.

Step 3

GRILL OR BROIL BREAD: Slice the bread 1-inch thick and then brush the top of one side with the remaining 2-3 tablespoons of oil. GRILL bread slices on a cleaned charcoal grill (oiled side down) until golden brown and lightly marked with grill lines (about 30 seconds in a 450 degrees F grill) OR BROIL: Set your oven rack about 6-inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler to high. Place bread (oiled side up) on baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully) and then remove from the oven.

Step 4

INFUSE BREAD WITH GARLIC: Slice a raw garlic clove in half. Gently rub the grilled slices of bread (both sides) with the cut end of the raw garlic clove.

Step 5

ENJOY: Taste the marinated tomatoes and add a touch more salt if needed. Use a slotted spoon to top each slice of bread with the marinated tomatoes (Note 3). If desired, drizzle on a touch more oil or a balsamic glaze. Enjoy immediately while the bread is still slightly warm.