Double Tomato Bruschetta

2011-01-18T19:01:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I lived with my ex boyfriend's family for the summer, they are a very warm, inviting, friendly Italian family. His parents are natives from Italy and I fell in love with the accent, as well as their cooking. While I was living there, I learned a thing or two about Italian food. One of my favorites...double tomato bruschetta.

Enjoy! Here is a picture of mine, where my husband is taking a bite into...years later.

Ingredients

6 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
3 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh basil, stems removed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 French baguette
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven on broiler setting.
In a large bowl, combine the roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.
Cut the baguette into 3/4-inch slices. On a baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly brown.
Divide the tomato mixture evenly over the baguette slices. Top the slices with mozzarella cheese.
Broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Fruit Cider

2011-01-18T18:55:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, for my friend's birthday, I offered to make a 6-course meal for him and thought it would be nice to throw in a little drink in there since his birthday's in the Fall, perfect cider would go well, I thought, but I didn't want to make your typical apple cider, so I opted to make fruit cider instead.

After that day, I've been a huge fan since.

Ingredients

1 quart apple cider
1 quart pineapple juice
3 cinnamon sticks
2 lemons, thinly sliced
1 orange, thinly sliced

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain mixture, discarding solids. Serve warm

Cindy's Kitchen

Double Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients

Directions

Fruit Cider

Ingredients

Directions