Bruschetta is an appetizer originating in Tuscany, Italy. It consists of a crusty bread rubbed with garlic or cheese and garnished with a topping of tomatoes, olive oil, and spices. This recipe for Seasoned Goat Cheese and Tomato Bruschetta can be paired with a hearty red wine or Chianti.

Ingredients:

11 oz. log of semi-soft goat cheese
1 generous Tbsp. fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
1 generous Tbsp. fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
1 generous Tbsp. fresh Thyme, finely chopped
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
Fresh ground salt to taste
Fresh ground pepper to taste
6 medium Roma tomatoes or 8 Campari tomatoes, chopped into very small chunks
3 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
8 fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin strips
1 baguette
Extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. In a medium size bowl or a mixer, combine goat cheese, cream cheese and fresh herbs. Mix until thoroughly blended. Add fresh ground salt and pepper to taste.

2. In a separate bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic and basil. Drizzle olive oil over all. Add fresh ground salt and pepper to taste and gently toss the ingredients to blend well.

3. Pre-heat oven or grill to 350 degrees. Slice baguette into ½-inch slices. Brush with olive oil on both sides. Bake, turning over once, until the slices are a light golden brown. Remove from oven and season one side with freshly ground salt. Let bread cool.

4. Spread baguette slices with herbed goat cheese and top with a spoonful of the tomato mixture. Place on a platter with extra basil for garnish.

The Get Cooking Test Kitchen enjoyed making this recipe with the following tools:

• Shun 6-in. Tomato Knife
• Shun Ken Onion 8-in. Chefs Knife
• Shun 9-in. Bread Knife
• Peugeot Salt and Pepper Grinders