Mom's Bruschetta

By Mcassid1

One of the best bruschetta recipes ever--might be a bit biased, though!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf french bread or baguette
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• "Olive Paste:"
• 1 cup pitted ripe olives, sliced
• 2 tsp. balsamic or red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. capers, drained (optional)
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• "Topping:"
• 2 medium red tomatoes, chopped
• 1/3 cup scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 TBSP olive oil
• 1 TBSP fresh basil or oregano (or 1 tsp. dried basil or oregano)
• 1/8 tsp. pepper

Preparation

Step 1

"Olive paste:"
1. In blender combine olives, vinegar, capers, 1 tsp. olive oil, and garlic and process until smooth paste.
2. Cover and chill

"Topping:"
1. Chop tomatoes, scallions and mix with 1 TBSP of olive oil, basil/oregano, and pepper.
2. Chill.

"Toasts:"
1. Cut bread into 1/2 inch thick slices.
2. Brush each side of slice with olive oil.
3. Place on an ungreased baking sheet.
4. Bake at 425 degrees F, for about 5 minutes or until crisp and light brwon, turning once.

"Assemblage:"
1. Spread each toast with a thin layer of olive paste.
2. Top with tomato topper, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
3. Return slices to the ungreased baking sheet.
4. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 2 minutes or until cheese starts to melt and toppings are heated thru.

Serve warm.