Appetizers for your dinner party

It doesn’t take #traveling to Italy to know that the simple, classic #bruschetta #appetizer recipe is the perfect way to make use of juicy and ripe summer tomatoes, or impress holiday guests.

Always the perfect appetizer or accompaniment to delicious soup, there’s a good reason why bruschetta is a very popular #appetizer. Besides being super simple to make and loaded with flavor, bruschetta is richly satisfying and easy to adapt with fresh herbs, prosciutto, vegetables, and cheese.

I try to greet my friends with a drink in my hand, a warm smile on my face, and great music in the background, because that's what gets a dinner party off to a fun start. - Ina Garten

Whether a small dinner party, or a large crowd, nothing beats a simple, fresh tomato and olive bruschetta when you need a quick pick-me-up a few hours before. It’s classy, easy to pick up, and the guests drool over its good flavor. Easy to prepare and bursting with summer flavors that make a great snack, appetizer, or side dish. Bruschetta is one of the best ways to enjoy the bounty of summer.

Ingredients:

•1 (8-ounce) loaf French bread (baguette)

•2 tablespoons olive oil

•1 (10-ounce) cherry red tomatoes, seeded and chopped

•1/4 cup chopped, pitted ripe olives

•3 tablespoons sliced green onion

•1 clove garlic, minced

•1 tablespoon olive oil

•1 tablespoon snipped fresh oregano

•1/8 teaspoon pepper

•2/3 cup finely shredded Mozzarella cheese

1. Cut bread into 3/8-inch-thick slices. Brush both sides of each slice lightly with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in 425°F oven 5 to 10 minutes or until crisp and light brown, turning once.

2. For topping, stir together tomatoes, olives, green onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, oregano, and pepper.

3. To assemble, top each toasted slice with a little Mozzarella cheese, then about 1 tablespoon of tomato topping.

Bruschetta is one of the best ways to enjoy the bounty of summer.

Bon Appétit !

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