How to Make Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a classic spring and summertime appetizer. It’s relatively easy to make and involves minimal cooking. Served on a warm day with a chilled glass of crisp white wine, it is a winning combination. This is also a very versatile dish. It can be served on a classic baguette or even sliced focaccia bread.
I’m disappointed by much of the bruschetta I have tried. This is a dish that relies heavily on quality ingredients. Tomatoes are the main ingredient and summer tomatoes are here. Using good quality tomatoes can definitely level up this dish.
Of course the other ingredients should shine through as well. You can find everything you need to make this amazing bruschetta at our local farmers markets.
Earlier this year a new tomato farmer, Reyes Ranch began selling at the Old Town Newhall market. They offer a wide variety of beautiful tomatoes grown in Ventura County along with fresh basil. Picked ripe and rushed to market, they taste the way that tomatoes used to.
Also available at the market are two artisan bakeries. Häsi Bread crafts a signature wild fermented sourdough focaccia bread that works well. If you want to go more traditional for bread, Des Croissant Paris is a French baker that makes authentic Parisian style baguettes using a multi-day process.
The market also hosts an olive oil farmer, Verni Farms. Their family has been in the olive oil business for over 100 years and brings us premium extra virgin California olive oil from their farm in Clovis.
Of course, no bruschetta is complete without a glass of wine. The farmers market has that covered as well. The Saturday Old Town Newhall Market is now hosting a grape farmer that makes their own award-winning wines! Dancing Crow Vineyards is based in Lake County, just outside of Napa Valley. Their highly rated sauvignon blanc pairs perfectly with this dish!
Once you have rounded up some quality ingredients, making this bruschetta is very simple. This is a perfect dish to serve as an appetizer, at a party or to simply enjoy on a warm afternoon. Follow the recipe below and enjoy a true taste of summer.

INGREDIENTS

1 French baguette cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 lb fresh tomatoes of your choice, diced
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 cloves minced garlic
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Balsamic vinegar (optional)
2 Tb Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 400°.
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush each side of the sliced bread with olive oil.
Place the bread slices on a large baking sheet and place into the oven. Allowed to cook in the oven for 5 minutes before flipping each slice over and cooking an additional five minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, garlic, fresh chopped basil and parmesan cheese, if using. Stir and combine.
Add in remaining olive oil, about one tablespoon. Add salt and pepper to tomatoes to taste. Combine well.
Spoon the tomato mixture onto each slice of bread. Drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar, if desired. Serve immediately.

The Old Town Newhall Farmers Market operates every Saturday from 8:30 until 1pm in the parking lot of the Old Town Newhall library. The Canyon Country Farmers Market operates every Wednesday from 4pm until 8pm in the parking lot of the Canyon Country Community Center. Both markets are certified farmers markets and operate year round, rain or shine. The markets can be found on Facebook, Instagram or at www.newhallfarmersmarket.com and www.canyoncountryfarmersmarket.com.

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