Tomato Bruschetta

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures that the oven is hot enough to crisp the bread.
2. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Try to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, and balsamic vinegar to the bowl. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
4. Letting the mixture sit for about 5 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
5. Season the tomato mixture with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. Using a serrated knife will make this easier.
7. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle each slice lightly with extra olive oil.
8. Toast the bread in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
9. Remove the toasted bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before handling.
10. Once the bread is cool enough to handle, top each piece with a generous spoonful of the tomato mixture.
11. For extra flavor, you can also rub the toasted bread with a halved garlic clove before topping with tomatoes.
12. Serve immediately for the best texture, as the bread can become soggy if it sits too long.