Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Basil

Pizza is first on the list of foods to try in Italy.

And for good reason, I suppose. If not for the fact that it's hard to find someone who doesn't like pizza, it's hard not to pass up a slice of Pizza Margherita- "Eat, Pray, Love" style. I totally want to have "a relationship with my pizza," too, and not just because Julia Roberts makes it look deliciously chic.

My good friend Arya had the most fortunate time visiting Italy last summer. So, of course I had to ask him how the pizza was. I mean, it is the real deal, after all.

And you know what he said? He said that the pizza there is "overrated."

*GASP*

Not overrated in the sense that it wasn't good- that wasn't his point. But just that he expected a lot but ended up not being as impressed as he thought he would be.

But you know what he did rave about? Bruschetta.

Yes, bruschetta- crisp bread rubbed with raw garlic, drizzled with olive oil, and topped with tomatoes and basil.

Since I can't try Italy's pizzas for myself at this moment, I will have to be content with these for now. Which is fine with me, because these are nothing short of divine. I think Arya himself will approve :)

Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Basil

*serves 8 to 10*

Ingredients:

- 1 loaf country bread (about 12 by 5 inches), cut crosswise into 1-inch thick slices, ends discarded

- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

- 1 large garlic clove, peeled and halved

- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced

- 1/3 cup shredded basil leaves

- Salt and Ground pepper

Directions:

1. Adjust an oven rack to about 4 inches from the heating element and heat the broiler; broil the bread slices until golden brown on both sides. Brush both sides of each slice with the oil and rub with the garlic clove.

2. Mix the tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl. Set aside.

3. Use a spoon to divide the mixture evenly among the toasted bread slices. Serve immediately. 

Source: The New Best Recipe