Bruschetta is an appetizer originating from 15th century Italy and is one of my favorite things to eat. Bruschetta was developed out of necessity as a way to salvage bread that was going stale. It traditionally consists of bread rubbed with garlic, then sprinkled with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. A variety of toppings have developed over the centuries and this recipe incorporates one of the more popular kinds outside of Italy. I loove to eat it as a snack and one of my favorite things to do is curl up with a good book, a plate of bruschetta and a cold drink. Yum!

Ingredients

1. Handful of fresh basil or parsely
2. Extra virgin olive oil
3. Several cloves of garlic
4. Handful of cherry tomatoes, chopped
5. 1 red onion, finely chopped
6. Balsamic vinegar
7. Crusty bread cut into thick slices.

Instructions

1. Chop the basil or parsley, onion and tomato. Finely slice the garlic
2. Combine ingredients in a bowl and add approx 2 tbs balsamic vinegar and 2-3 tbs extra virgin olive oil. Set aside and allow the ingredients to marinate.
3. Brush the bread with extra virgin olive oil and rub with a garlic clove.
4. Sprinkle the bread slices liberally with salt and pepper.
5. Lightly toast the bread in the oven.
6. Add the topping onto the toasted bread and serve.