Bruschetta

Ingredients:
12 to 14 fresh ripe plum tomatoes
2 TBS crushed garlic
2 TBS minced shallots (optional)
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1-2 tsp lemon juice
1-2 tsp Balsamic or red wine vinegar
salt and coarsely ground pepper, to taste
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, slivered
8 thick slices peasant bread (you can cut this up if you want smaller servings)

Directions:
1. Cut the tomatoes into 1/4 inch dice and place in a bowl with the garlic and shallots.
2. Chop the basil coarsely and add to the tomatoes, along with lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper and 1/3 cup olive oil. Set aside.
3.Heat 1/4 olive oil in a small pan. Sautee the slivered garlic until golden, 2-3 minutes. Discard the garlic and reserve the oil
4. Toast the bread and cut each slice in half. Brush the garlic oil on each slice, then spoon tomato mixture over that and serve immediately.
~*~ From The New Basics Cookbook ~*~