August 3 – 9 is National Farmers Market Week! If you’ve never visited a Farmers Market, this is a great week to check one out! A variety of fruits and veggies are in season.

This is one of my favorite recipes that I look forward to making every summer.

Tomato Basil Bruschetta

 INGREDIENTS

• 8 ripe Roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 red onion, Spanish onion or sweet onion, chopped
• 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 loaf Italian or French bread, cut into 1/2 inch diagonal slices

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine tomatoes, garlic, onion, basil and olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
2. Arrange bread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake about 5 to 7 minutes until it begins to brown slightly.
3. Remove bread from oven and transfer to a serving platter.
4. Serve the tomato mixture in a bowl with a serving spoon and let everyone help themselves. Or place some on each slice of bread before serving. If adding the tomato mixture yourself, add it at the last minute or the bread may become soggy.

ALICE’S NOTES

If you’re short on time, the tomato topping (minus the basil) can be made earlier in the day and refrigerated. Wait until you’re ready to turn on the oven for the bread before chopping and adding the basil. Set mixture aside at room temperature while the bread is toasting.

So … check out a Farmers Market. You’ll be glad you did! The U.S. Department of Agriculture has compiled a list of Farmers Markets through the United States that may help you locate a market near you.