Simple Goats Cheese & Honey, Italian Inspired Bruschetta
This dish is inspired from my honeymoon travels to Italy. A simple meal best enjoyed in the sun. Not filling nor does it need to be as the flavour it packs is more than enough to satisfy any hunger.
The beautiful savory taste of goats cheese cut with the sourness of balsamic vinegar, the sweetness of ruby ripe tomatoes and honey, rounded off with the freshness of basil creates a well balanced, beautiful long lingering taste which will transport you back to the hills of Italy time and time again.
GOATS CHEESE & HONEY ITALIAN BRUSCHETTA INGREDIENTS
- BAGUETTE: Italian or french but fresh and toasted is most important
- TOMATOES: Use your favorite tomato here. Fortunately I have my fathers home grown, ripened on the vine tomatoes which are my choice.
- GOATS CHEESE: Any goats cheese will do but I prefer the creamier spreadable type. When warmed it behaves more like a mouse consistency and is velvety on the palette.
- EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: Use your favorite brand. Used for creating a dressing and flavouring the salsa.
- BALSAMIC VINEGAR: Use your favorite brand. Same as the oil. Quality is most important as with all ingredients.
- GARLIC CLOVES: Garlic adds flavour and a warming heat sensation in this meal as it is raw.
- LOCAL HONEY: Being an avid beekeeper i always promote local honey. It is the best for you and your family. The honey balances the vinegar, oil and cheese.
- BASIL: Fresh basil adds an amazing freshness to the dish and is the perfect accompaniment to fresh tomatoes.
- SALT & PEPPER: Lots of pepper and salt to bring out sweetness of the tomatoes and season the salsa.
RECIPE
Italian Bruschetta and Goats Cheese
A wonderful summery savory sweet and tart bite that will satisfy all.
Ingredients
- 1 Italian baguette
- 6 large tomatoes
- 150 g goats cheese
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar to taste
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tsp local honey
- 10 basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a saucepan of water to the boil. Cross hatch the bottom of the tomatoes with a sharp knife and blanch the tomatoes in the boiling water for 2 minutes. Remove and when cool to touch peel the skin from the tomatoes.
- Quarter the tomatoes and remove pulp and seed. Dice the flesh and add to a bowl.
- Mince the garlic gloves and finely chop the basil leaves. Combine with the diced tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
- Slice the baguette and grill
- Spread goats cheese on the grilled slice and top with the tomato salsa &
- For a more rounded balanced flavour, drizzle honey over the salsa.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Drizzle local honey over the bruschetta to balance and round out the savory sour flavour profile of the salsa. This makes for a great starter course.