Easy summer dining

When it comes to dining, I'm all about easy, fresh meals that can be pulled together as quickly as possible.

In the summer I especially love meals served family style (one big platter in the middle to share) and can be snacked on.  It works great for warm evenings spent outside.

I can't remember when we first started making bruschetta with tomato and basil, but it's been a staple in our home for quite some time.  Our girls pretty much only eat the toast and cheese, but they enjoy eating with the grown-ups.  I like to serve it deconstructed so everyone to make theirs the way they like it.

Bruschetta with tomato & basil:

Put your oven rack on the very top and pre-heat oven to 450 degrees

Seed and finely chop 6-7 ripe plum tomatoes (sometimes I also use a carton of baby tomatoes) and put in a bowl.

Add two cloves minced garlic (or more, if you're into that kinda thing), 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil,  1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar and a handful of chopped basil leaves to the bowl and mix.  Add salt and pepper to taste then set aside.

Slice a baguette into 1/2 inch slices and brush one side of each slice with more olive oil.  Place oil side down on a cookie sheet and put in heated oven on top rack.  Toast for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.

Pull out your bread, flip it over and serve with your tomato & basil mixture and some parmesan cheese on top.

What is your favorite summer meal?

P.S.- Sunday we prepared a baguette in the same way and topped it with this smashed pea and mint spread.