GAIL'S BRUSCHETTA

this is one of the easiest, and tastiest appetizers you'll ever make! it's under 10 ingredients, all of which can be found year round. it takes no more than a few chops with a knife, a whirl of a food processor blade, and a spoon to scoop the bruschetta into a bowl (or into your mouth!). this cool, fresh take on bruschetta is a delicious treat that i guarantee will make many appearances at your future parties, picnics, and gatherings!

INGREDIENTS:
4 large plum tomatoes, seeds removed and chopped
4 gloves of garlic, minced
3/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
1 tbs fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
bread toasts or crackers for serving

DIRECTIONS:
-chop all ingredients in a food processor or blender until pieces are in small chunks
-serve with bread or crackers, enjoy!

SHOUT OUTS:
this recipe was given to me by my grandfather's good friend, Gail. my grandparents' fridge is never empty of this delicious snack!

TIPS and ADAPTATIONS:
-if you don't have a blender or food processor, you can do all the chopping by hand! it'd still be delicious, and a little more chunky and 'rustic' looking!
-to make your own bread toasts: slice a loaf of fresh bread (like a ciabatta, sourdough, or italian white bread) into 1/4" slices, and then cut each piece into 2" pieces (bite size!). place in a single layer on a baking sheet, drizzle or spray on olive oil, and toast in the oven at 375 degrees until bread starts to turn golden brown.
-put the leftovers over pasta, and turn it into dinner! yum!
-you can use black olives instead of kalamata olives, or try some roasted garlic instead of fresh!

-make it a warm dish by placing the bruschetta on lightly toasted bread, sprinkling some shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and bake it in a [375 degree] oven until the cheese is melted