Cook What You Love, Love What You Cook

Despite the occasional exception to the recipe rule, Blissful Basil has become a food blog that is incredibly biased toward Italian fare. I can't help it; there is something in my predominantly Irish and Swedish genes that lures me into the tomato-laden, comforting arms of Italian cuisine. I'm a pasta-loving, basil-chopping, tomato-crushing fool who is quite possibly incapable of going carb-free, and I'm cool with that. On that note, here is one more for the Blissful Basil books...

Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta (Serves 4)

For the Heirloom Tomato Topping:

◊ 2 pints heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved and quartered

◊ 1 large handful fresh basil, thinly sliced

◊ 2-3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

◊ 1 tsp salt

◊ freshly ground black pepper

For the Bruschetta:

◊ 1 rustic baguette, cut into 1-inch-thick slices

◊ olive oil

◊ 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled

1. Combine the tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat. Arrange the baguette slices on the grill pan and drizzle with olive oil. Grill on one side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and just starting to char. Turn over, drizzle with olive oil, and grill on other side for 3-4 minutes.

3. After grilling, place the baguette slices on a large cutting board and vigorously rub the top of each with a garlic clove. The warmth of the baguette will actually "melt" the garlic down.

4. Plate the baguette slices and serve alongside the bowl of heirloom tomato topping.