Bada Bing Bruschetta Recipes

TOMATO BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• Core and chop the tomatoes, then transfer to a colander over a bowl or in the sink. Add the salt and gently stir. Let drain for up to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the garlic oil: In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil and garlic over low heat until the garlic is softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, making sure the garlic doesn't brown. Set aside to cool.
• Roll the basil leaves up and thinly slice crosswise.
• When the oil is cool and the tomatoes are well drained, combine the tomatoes, garlic oil and basil in a medium bowl. Season with additional salt, to taste. Spoon over toasted bread.

BADA BING BETTY'S TUSCAN PORTOBELLO MELT (GRILLED CHEESE)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• In a medium skillet, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil and red onion. Cook over medium heat until onions are beginning to soften. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a roasting dish.
• In the same skillet, combine tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat until the tomatoes are beginning to soften. Transfer to roasting dish with onions.
• In a medium bowl, gently toss Portobello mushrooms with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Transfer to roasting dish with other ingredients. Add white wine.
• Place roasting dish in oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. Remove from oven and let mixture cool to room temperature.
• In a small saucepan, combine butter and thyme springs. Cook over low heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat and discard thyme.
• Brush one side of each slice of bread with butter. Place slices buttered side down on a clean surface. Top half of the slices with 1/4 cup provolone cheese and 1/4 cup Monterey jack cheese. Top cheese with mushroom mixture, dividing evenly between the slices. Top with remaining bread slices.
• Heat a griddle (or frying pan) to medium high heat. Place sandwiches on griddle to brown. Flip after 2 minutes to brown other side and cook until golden brown and cheese is melted.
• To serve: Cut in half and serve with a cup of soup.