Classic Italian Bruschetta With Fresh Herbs

Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 12
• 3 lbs vine ripened tomatoes (seeded, peeled & diced)
• 3/4 cup fresh basil, sliced thin
• freshly ground sea salt, to taste
• 4 -6 large garlic cloves, depending on your love of garlic
• 1/2 cup good quality olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
• french bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thin (not the shredded!)

Recipe

• 1 combine tomatoes and 1/2 cup fresh basil in a colander, sprinkle with salt and toss to coat; let drain 1 hour.
• 2 preheat oven to 375°f
• 3 in a large bowl combine the drained tomato/basil mixture with the minced garlic, 1/4 cup olive oil, remaining 1/4 fresh basil, oregano and thyme.
• 4 let stand at room temperature 15 to 20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
• 5 during this time brush french bread slices lightly with the remaining olive oil.
• 6 toast "lightly" in the oven (just a few minutes).
• 7 pull out and place a small amount of tomato mixture on top of the lightly toasted french bread slices.
• 8 top each piece with a small amount of mozzarella.
• 9 toast in the oven until cheese has melted and its golden brown.
• 10 serve and enjoy.