Red ripe tomatoes, tangy artichokes, fresh creamy mozzarella, big bright green flavorful bunches of basil, deep dark tangy balsamic, rich robust nutty olive oil.... ummm YES! YES! YES!!!! These delectable words that I write are all describing none other than one of my favorites... Bruschetta!
I was with my husband Juan Carlos what seems like years and years ago on our honeymoon and we asked our taxi driver to take us to one of his favorite places in the city to eat... so he drove and talked and talked and used those fabulous animated gestures that naturally only an italian taxi driver trying to "a-speak-a-de-english-a" could only do... at one point removing both hands from the steering wheel and flailing them in the air to accurately describe what was to be one of the best lunches I've ever had!
We got there and from the outside there were men sitting on crates in front of this little door that had an opening that was so narrow I'm sure now in my post baby days I would surely have to turn sideways to fit in... followed by a teeny tiny set of stairs that led to what looked like a basement! I remember looking back at Juan thinking... we can't possibly eat here, this looks... well... how do I say... not like a restaurant... but Juan reassured me and reminded me that our animated taxi driver said "you will a-like-a dis and to manga manga!!!"
So we sat down and barely understanding an
ything that the big mama who was taking our order said to us (which I'm sure went both ways) she only said.... "I take care-a you!"
And boy, did she!
It was one of the most delicious meals to date that I've ever had and I don't know that even if I tried I'd ever be able to find it again! One of the first things we started with was an artichoke bruschetta... I'm not sure if it was the tomatoes, artichokes, the balsamic vinegar or the crispy bread that absorbed all of the juices and managed to still stay crunchy.... or maybe it was just Italy! But... ever since then I've been in search of artichoke bruschetta and have been unable to find it... Here's my recipe for it! It's a basic staple Italian Appetizer and sure to please your friends and family when you're entertaining... or just a nice snack to have on your own. You can also get so creative and add grilled butterfli
ed shrimp, goat cheese, pine nuts and well just about anything! It's fresh, it's crispy, tangy and I just love it! I hope you will too!
This is one of my favorites... it really is different and delicious!
ARTICHOKE BRUSCHETTA
Ingredients:
· 1 French Baguette or Italian Loaf of Bread
· 1 cup drained, canned artichoke hearts, chopped
· 1 cup chopped, seeded, fresh tomato
· ½ cup diced roasted red peppers
· 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
· 5-6 big leaves of basil chiffonnade
· 3 cloves garlic minced
· 3 tablespoons olive oil
· 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
· 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
· Fresh mozzarella small diced
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. With a serrated knife , cut off ends from bread and reserve for another use. Slice remaining bread crosswi
se into twenty-four 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place bread slices on ungreased baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted.
2.In medium bowl,combine artichoke hearts, tomato, red peppers, onion, garlic, olive oil, basil, vinegar, cheese and pepper.
3. Divide artichoke/tomato mixture among toasted bread and spread to cover surface. Drizzle any liquid remaining in bowl over bruschetta. Arrange bruschetta on platter and serve.
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