Tomatoes + Basil = Goodness

One of my favorite things about summertime is fresh, sweet tomatoes are available. Every time I go to the grocery store or farmers market I load up on tomatoes, and it always crosses my mind that I may have purchased more than we need.  However, that has never been the case! Another fresh ingredient I always have in my fridge this time of year is an abundance of fresh basil. If you don’t grow it in your garden (which is super easy to do btw), you can usually buy a huge bundle at your local farmers market.

Twice this past week, my husband and I wanted a quick appetizer, so I threw together some bruschetta. It is one of the quickest, easiest, not-to-mention healthiest snacks you can make.

My Bruschetta

1 large tomato, diced

2 – 3 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced

1 small garlic clove, finely chopped

Drizzle of olive oil

Drizzle of balsamic vinegar

**A few pinches of FRS herb blend

To serve along its side, I thinly sliced a day old baguette, drizzled some olive oil on top and sprinkled it with my FRS (fennel, red pepper flakes & salt) herb blend, and then popped them in the oven under a broiler for just a few minutes.  Enjoy!


**Combine 1-teaspoon fennel seeds, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes & ½ teaspoon course salt (gray salt is my favorite!) in a mortar and pestle. Crush together. This recipe can be multiplied and kept in your spice cabinet for later use…and it is very yummy on roasted vegetables!