A Brilliant Bruschetta Board

In this culinary ensemble, toasted baguette slices strut their stuff as the foundation, each one a crisp canvas just waiting to be adorned with a symphony of toppings. From juicy tomatoes to creamy mozzarella, from zesty basil to sassy balsamic glaze – it’s like a gourmet orchestra tuning up for a flavourful performance.

So, let’s raise our appetizer forks to the Brilliant Bruschetta Board – a creation that’s as dazzling as a West End show and as irresistible as your grandma’s secret cake recipe. Your appetizer game just reached rockstar status, and your taste buds? Well, they’re probably standing up for an encore.

Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 1 baguette or ciabatta loaf
• 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled
• Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
• Sea salt, to taste
• Classic Tomato and Basil Topping:
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ricotta and Honey Topping:

• 200g ricotta cheese
• Honey, for drizzling
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
• Additional Toppings (feel free to get creative!):
• Olive tapenade
• Smashed avocado with lemon and chilli flakes
• Prosciutto and figs
• Mozzarella, roasted red pepper, and pesto

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread: Begin by slicing the baguette or ciabatta loaf into 1.5 cm thick slices. Place them on a baking tray.
2. Grill: Preheat the grill. Brush each bread slice with olive oil on both sides. Place them under the grill and toast until golden brown on each side. This should take about 1-2 minutes per side, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
3. Garlic Rub: Once toasted, while the bread slices are still warm, rub one side of each slice with a peeled garlic clove. This gives the bread a gentle garlic flavour. Sprinkle with a bit of sea salt.
4. Classic Tomato and Basil Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine and set aside for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
5. Ricotta and Honey Topping: Spread a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese onto the grilled bread slices. Drizzle with honey, and if desired, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a hint of black pepper.
6. Assemble the Bruschetta Board: Lay out your grilled bread slices on a serving board. Place the classic tomato and basil mixture in a bowl alongside. Add the ricotta with honey-topped slices, and arrange any other toppings of your choice. Provide small utensils for guests to help themselves.

Note: Bruschetta is best served immediately after assembly to enjoy the contrast of the crisp bread base with the fresh toppings. This delightful board is perfect for gatherings, offering a burst of flavours with every bite. Cheers to the charm of the Mediterranean, served right in your very own home!