Bruschetta and Summer

Sometime is in full swing here is Phoenix, it is so hot and my desire to turn on the oven is not happening. I want to focus this summer on using more raw and fresh ingredients. It feels like the body's natural desire is to have cooler foods in the summer, less effort to process and eating raw is a super nutritious way of eating. I am not saying this is a raw dish but there will be some raw food to come on my blog. For now I am just so excited about this Bruschetta, I love bread!!!  I will find any excuse to buy a beautiful fresh loaf of crusty goodness. The other day at the store I got some really great looking cherry tomato's, I thought that the little bites of bright freshness would be perfect for this dish. Yes this is a quite simple dish but I am struck with the punch of flavor and the simplicity of fresh ingredients, I made this a meal with a glass of wine. This is a great dish to make ahead and take to party's, picnics or just to have on hand for a few days to snack on (if it lasts that long)

Bruschetta
2 cups chopped fresh Tomato's (i used cherry's for this one but use any great looking cherry at your market)
2 large cloves of fresh garlic chopped
15 fresh basil leaves chopped
1/2 cup to 1/3 cup really good olive oil
1 table spoon of Balsamic Vinegar
S&P to taste (as always I go heavy on the pepper)

I may have gone heavy on the garlic but you can back off if you don't want garlic breath.

That's it, toss it all in a bowl and mix, I like to let it sit in the fridge for 30 min or so to let all the flavors mix and get friendly. Then as far the bread goes, you are only limited by your imagination. If you dig the crusty baguette go for it. For my gluten free friends this is a great opportunity to try some of the really great gluten free crackers, I have had some great ones. You could even slice cucumbers just like a loaf of bread and use that. Whatever makes you happy! I recommend you serve this with a nice glass of wine and just enjoy the freshness of summer!