summer bruschetta

Summer tomatoes are the best tomatoes……ever!

Their “winter” imposters at the store are just tasteless.

Many of you are probably planting your summer gardens this month, and I hope tomatoes are on the list! We always plant 3-4 different varieties, you can never have to many tomatoes in my opinion! Large saucy tomatoes are one of our favorites. We use those in our salsa (post coming this summer) and canned tomato sauce. I also love to make summer tomato soup with this variety. Also in our “tomato patch” are Romas and Cherry tomatoes. Romas are great on anything, and cherry tomatoes are so good right off the vine or in salads. I also used cherry toms in this version of Bruschetta….

summer bruschetta

In the summer, when the heat is up, and all you want to do is grill everything in sight…. this Summer Bruschetta is a fast little appetizer you can whip up in minutes! It makes a great nibble to serve to friends coming over at the last minute too. Or if you are like me… wine and this bruschetta are all you need for dinner! You know when you have those moments in life, and all you want is cheese, wine and a baguette and all is ok again! Well, this baguette topped with ricotta cheese, herbs, tomatoes and oil will do just fine :)

summer bruschetta

It’s a funny thing how our cravings and appetites switch gears with the seasons. Comfort food for Fall/Winter, and all things from the garden for Spring/Summer. If we had a yard big enough, we would have berry patches and an orchard or two I’m sure! We are currently working on that plan ;) There is a satisfaction in having a hand at growing your own food, I wish they taught this in schools everywhere! I didn’t start gardening until my early 30’s. Not sure why, maybe life was a bit too busy. My grandma always had a garden when I was little, and she would always give us her produce in the summer  months. Now as an adult, I love my garden! Herbs are also a must for anyone who loves to cook. They too are also easy to grow. Basil,. Thyme, Oragano, Chives, Rosemary….we grow them and use them all year round!

summer bruschetta

Looking back in my early 20’s, how did I ever manage without a vegetable and herb garden?  Here’s to summer months of lots of tomatoes, grilling, and laid back evenings hanging out in the backyard or wherever your favorite place is to chill! Cheers~

Summer Bruschetta

Ingredients

  • 1 baguette sliced
  • 1 lb of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 garlic clove finely minced
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • dash of kosher salt
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 6 Tbsp of olive oil
  • 1 C of chopped herbs, I used Basil, Thyme and Oregano
  • 10 oz Ricotta cheese

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, add minced garlic and salt. Mash with a fork to make a paste, add 2 Tbsp of olive oil, vinegar and pepper. Mix well, add the tomatoes and let sit for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat a grill on medium heat.
  3. Brush sliced baguette with olive oil and cook over grill until toasted. About 2 minutes per side.
  4. Toss herbs with tomato mixture.
  5. Spread ricotta over each baguette slice and top with tomato/herb mix.
  6. Makes about 8-10 slices.
http://www.thymeoftaste.com/2015/05/31/summer-bruschetta/