Bruschetta!

I love growing herbs.  I'm not very good at it since my proverbial growing thumb is black - but I do love cooking and working with the outstanding flavor of fresh herbs.

This is a simple recipe for a dish that can be used as an appitizer or a side.  It travels well because you pull it together at the last minute, having prepared everything individually beforehand.
















You need 4-5 fresh, ripe medium tomatoes; a dozen or more fresh basil leaves (I wash and dry the leaves, roll them together and slices in ribbons); salt to taste; day old specialty bread; olive oil; a good (grated or shredded) Italian cheese.

Dice the tomatoes.  Slice the basil.  Mix together and add a pinch of salt.  Set aside.

Slice the bread and brush with a bit of olive oil.  Sprinkle with sea salt.  Broil until lightly golden.  This happens really quickly so don't leave the oven for long! 

Spoon the tomato/basil mix over the toasted bread.  Sprinkle with the cheese.  Stand back so you don't get run over as everyone dashes to grab a slice (or two) of this amazingly tasty dish.