Preparing Bruschetta

Ingredients:

loaf of good Italian or French bread
melted butter
cut garlic
chopped tomato
Parmesan cheese
balsamic vinegar

Preparation:

Spread some melted butter on the slices and toast under a broiler. Rub some cut garlic on the bread first if desired, or wait and rub bread after toasting for a richer garlic flavor.

Other Ideas

• Make an artichoke bruschetta by combining artichokes, peas and prosciutto ham (figure C).

• Try a pesto and goat-cheese variety. Spread a layer of pesto on the bread (figure D) and top with goat cheese and fresh basil leaves.

• Make it with cannelloni beans. Rinse and drain a can of cannelloni beans. Puree the beans in a food processor along with two cloves of fresh garlic and a tablespoon each of fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Spread the puree on the slices of bread.