SANDRA'S OVEN-ROASTED TOMATO BRUSCHETTA

The mouth-watering scents while roasting are second to none,

which provides for a super flavorful appetizer

served hot, room temperature or cold...

Yields: (Appx. 1-1/2 cups)
Serves: 10-12 (i.e., 2/person)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Roast: 1-1/2 Hrs.

INGREDIENTS

Sandra's Homemade French Bread Recipe
[Click here...]

2 (14.5-oz cans) organic stewed tomatoes, drained

3/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1 tablespoon dried basil leaves

1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon ground)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 teaspoons granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Finishing addition:

--1-1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, to finish topping

--Shredded Parmesan, for serving garnish

-- Prepared toasted baguette slices (See 'Tip' below)

            [Click here for Sandra's Homemade French Bread recipe]

METHOD

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; spray with cooking spray.

Place drained tomatoes in a large bowl (you'll end up with about 1-1/2 cups drained liquid when sufficiently drained); add onion, basil, oregano, oil, garlic, kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir to combine. Spread mixture on prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

Prior to oven-roasting...

Bake 1-1/2 hours, stirring tomato mixture half way through, plus rotate baking sheet for even roasting.

Post oven-roasting...

Using care, roughly chop the roasted tomatoes, while on baking sheet, to bite-size pieces.

Using a spatula, place hot chopped roasted tomatoes into a bowl, and add 1-1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar; cool mixture to room temperature.

Meanwhile, make the toasted baguette slices. (See instructions below)

Serve bruschetta in a decorative serving bowl placed in center of a platter with toast slices alongside. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:

To make toast, slice a French baguette and brush one side of each slice lightly with olive oil. Place bread, oil-side up, on baking sheet. Bake in 350-degree oven 7 to 10 minutes, or until toasted and crisp to your liking.

Also, if you prefer to serve this as a hot appetizer, simply place the bruschetta topped with parmesan under the broiler a minute or two, just until cheese is melted.