Rustic Tomato and Basil Bruschetta with Aged Balsamic Drizzle

Ingredients

• 4 slices rustic Italian bread, toasted
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, halved
• to taste sea salt
• to taste freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the bread slices on a baking sheet.
2. 02
   Toast the bread slices in the oven for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
3. 03
   While the bread is toasting, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes and chiffonade basil in a bowl.
4. 04
   Drizzle the tomato and basil mixture with extra virgin olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
5. 05
   Once the bread is toasted, remove from the oven and rub the surface of each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove.
6. 06
   Top each slice of toasted bread with the tomato and basil mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. 07
   Finish by drizzling aged balsamic vinegar over each bruschetta.
8. 08
   Serve immediately, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to retain its crispness.