Bruschetta

Ingredients:

8 ripe plum tomatoes, partly seeded and chopped
2 T minced garlic
1/2 c coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/4 c chopped fresh parsley
1 T lemon juice
1/2 T olive oil
1 t minced fresh tarragon
1/4 t crushed red pepper flakes
Favorite Italian Dressing, optional
Baguettes
Garlic or garlic butter
Parmesan, optional
Onion powder, optional
Cream cheese, optional
Goat's cheese, optional

Instructions: Mix tomatoes, garlic, basil, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, tarragon, pepper, and dressing. Let set for 3 hours, unrefrigerated.

Slice and toast baguettes. Rub with garlic or garlic butter. Top with tomato mixture.

Also try adding Parmesan and onion powder to the tomato mixture for added depth. Also, try substituting cream cheese or goat's cheese for the butter.

Note: Bruschetta can take on many forms. Essentially, bruschetta is baguette rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil, salt and pepper. The toppings that go with that vary greatly. Bruschetta comes from the Roman word bruscare meaning "to roast over coals," aka toast.