Tomato and Basil Crostini

Summer is a great time of year for fabulous food. Between all the fresh produce, and grilling your favorite meats, a family can eat pretty well all summer long. For our family, I find we eat a little lighter in the summer. There's more "picking" and less full meals.

Yesterday, I sat looking at my first batch of tomatoes from my backyard garden and the bunch of basil I picked, and thought, what can I make for lunch? I picked up a fresh baguette and some ricotta at Trader Joe's and made these delicious crostini.

What You Need

• Baguette
• Olive Oil (I used Bella D'Oliva - it's delicious!)
• Garlic
• Tomatoes
• Ricotta Cheese
• Basil

What You Do

• Slice up the baguette into thin rounds.
• Brush each one with a little olive oil - front and back and spread them on a baking sheet.
• Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over them.
• Toast the rounds in the oven - 350 degrees for about 15 minutes - you can turn them half-way through.
• Let the rounds cool.
• Slice a garlic clove in half, and rub  it on the top of each toasted round.
• Add a slice (or diced) of tomato to each round.
• Spoon a little ricotta cheese on each.
• Drizzle a little of your best/favorite olive oil on the top.
• Sprinkle a chiffonade of basil on the top.

Now you have a great snack, light lunch or tasty appetizer. It's perfect to bring to a party or picnic as well, you can assemble on-site.

What's your favorite way to use tomatoes and basil in the summertime?

catch you soon -