italian essentials: the best tomato bruschetta

How To Make italian essentials: the best tomato bruschetta

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  Traditional tomato varieties for a “classic” bruschetta are usually roma or plum; however, use whatever tomatoes you have on hand. Especially, if they are nice and fresh. straight out of the garden. So yummy.
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  Step 3
  When prepping the tomatoes, you can chop them whole (seeds and all), you can cut them open, take out the seeds, and then chop, or you can blanch them, peel them, and chop. In Italy, I have had it served all three ways, and they were all bellissimo.
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  Step 4
  When serving this recipe to my Italian relatives, I double the garlic… they like their garlic.
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  Step 5
  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 6
  Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
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  Step 7
  Cover and allow to sit on your countertop for two or three hours before serving.
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  Step 8
  Chef’s Note: Before serving do a final taste test for proper seasoning.
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  Step 9
  Chef’s Note: I was reading on another site that some recipes add freshly-chopped tarragon. I did not include that in this batch, because I will be serving it at an early afternoon event, and I did not have time to create a sample batch (I never throw a new recipe at my guests); however, I felt it worthy enough to include in the Optional Items category. As for the anchovy paste… I have used it and love it; however, if I add it, I eliminate the salt from the recipe ingredients. Do not forget that some people have fish allergies, so if you include the anchovy's make sure you let your guests know.
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  Step 10
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 11
  Toast up some nice crusty Italian bread, and brush on a bit of olive oil.
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  Step 12
  Chef’s Note: I usually brush the olive oil on the bread, and then pop them into a 400f (205c) oven, until they are nice and golden brown.
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  Step 13
  Chef’s Tip: If you genuinely are a garlic lover, and you want to punch it up a bit, then after toasting the bread, cut open a raw garlic clove, and rub it on the bread… Oh Yeah!
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  Step 14
  Add a bit of ricotta cheese, or cheese of your choice.
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  Step 15
  Top with the tomato sauce, and drizzle on a bit of good balsamic vinegar.
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  Step 16
  Serve to your waiting (famished) guests. Enjoy.
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  Step 17
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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