Part of our Things on Toast series, we are exploring ways to up our toast game.

Italians love bread! A meal is not a meal in Italy without bread being involved, either as an Antipasti or as a side to a pasta or main course. One of our favourite things to eat in Italy is a classic Bruschetta. Oh so simple, but it more than packs a flavour punch.

INGREDIENTS

Baguette, farmhouse loaf or any

other crusty loaf

4 fresh tomatoes

2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

1 Garlic clove peeled but kept whole

Small bunch of fresh Basil

Salt and Pepper

EQUIPMENT

Small mixing bowl

Sharp knife

Bread knife

METHOD

1. Slice the bread into 1-2cm thick slices. Under a medium grill or in a dry griddle pan over a medium heat, toast the slices both sides until they are crisp and golden. Set the toasted bread aside to cool and become even crispier.

2 Cut the tomatoes in half and using a spoon, scoop out the the seeds. Then cut the tomatoes roughly into 1cm pieces. You don't have to be too exact here, but try not to make the pieces too big.

3. In a small bowl, mix the tomatoes with a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

4. Pull the basil leaves from the stalks and roughly tear the leaves into smaller pieces. Add these to the tomato and olive oil. Add a good pinch of salt and a grind or 2 of black pepper. Give it all a good stir.

5. Take your peeled whole garlic clove and rub it over 1 side of each of the pieces of toasted bread. Don't rub too hard! The on the same side, drizzle a little olive oil over the toast.

6. Spoon over the tomato & basil mixture onto each piece of toast and consume with Italian flair!