Tomato Basil Crostini

In my opinion, a simple go-to flavorful appetizer is a must-have for any gal to have in her arsenal of recipes.  The other night I hosted our weekly girls get together, and this recipe was the first thing to make the menu.  With clean flavors and fresh ingredients, it makes the ideal summer appetizer that's both easy to throw together and the perfect compliment to a glass of chilled white wine {or 2}.

:: Tomato Basil Crostini ::

Tomatoes - slicing size

Fresh mozzarella

Basil leaves

French baguette

Garlic 

Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper

Slice your baguette into 1/2" thick slices and lightly drizzle with olive oil on a baking sheet.  Throw into a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes (enough to make it crusty, but not browned).  Peel a few fresh garlic cloves and slice in half.  Rub the garlic over each crostini {tip: slicing the garlic lengthwise makes it much easier to hold onto}.  Slice the mozzarella and halve, and do the same with the tomatoes.  Layer in the following order onto the garlic crostini:

- Mozzarella

- Salt and Pepper

- Drizzle of olive oil 

- One basil leaf

- Tomato

- more Salt & Pepper

- Another drizzle of olive oil

The seasoning is key, otherwise it won't have nearly as much flavor.  Bon appetit!