Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

Top slices of baguette-style French bread with fresh mozzarella cheese and a garlicky tomato and basil mixture for a tasty appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 Roma tomatoes
• 1 shallot
• 1 Tbsp. fresh basil leaves
• 2 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar
• 1 (12 oz.) French baguette
• 4 oz. fresh mozzarella

Directions:

1. Place the garlic cloves on a cutting board and pound with the flat side of a knife to pop the garlic out of its skin. Place 1 clove in a custard cup and pour olive oil over top. Microwave the garlic and oil for 30 seconds on full power and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, mince the other clove. Scrape the minced garlic into a small mixing bowl. 2. Dice tomatoes, mince shallot, and cut basil leaves into strips. Add to mixing bowl. 3. Drizzle vinegar over the ingredients in the mixing bowl and toss to coat. 4. Slice baguette into 1/2 inch slices. Lay slices on a cookie sheet. 5. Remove garlic clove from custard cup. Using a pastry brush, brush each slice with oil. 6. Slice fresh mozzarella and cut to fit bread slices. Top each piece of bread with mozzarella. 7. Top mozzarella with tomato mixture. 8. Broil until cheese is melted.

Number of Servings: 8

Notes from the Cook: If you don't have a pastry brush, you can drizzle the sliced bread with the oil instead of brushing it on.