This simple and festive appetizer is perfect to serve this holiday season. The hardest part is the fact that you may have to go to the grocery store and pick up the tomatoes, basil and bread. The red and green is perfect for your Christmas table but this recipe is delicious any time of year. Often my families dinner is this dish, we love the crunch and the burst of flavor from the tomatoes and olive oil.

INGREDIENTS

1 french baguette

Olive oil

Kosher salt & course ground pepper

1 pint container cherry tomatoes

1 bunch fresh basil

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350° F

2. Slice baguette into thin slices, placed on parchment lined cookie sheet. Drizzle each slice with olive oil and season with Kosher salt and pepper.

3. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes in the oven.

4. While crostini’s are baking. Slice cherry tomatoes in half, drizzle with olive oil, Kosher salt and pepper.

5. Chiffonade basil-cut in to long thin strips, fold in to tomato mixture.

6. Remove crostini’s from oven once crispy and golden brown, allow to cool. On a serving platter, arrange crostini’s, add a few tomato to each piece of bread and garnish with additional basil if desired.

7. Serve to guests and enjoy the party.

   Yield: 12 servings