Tomato, Basil, and Cheese Bruschetta

The other night, my friend and I were talking about our favorite foodie movies.  Mine have always been Babette’s Feast, and of course, Julie & Julia.  Between the two, I could relate the most with the latter.  Tired of mundane existence, Julie Powell, the heroine of the movie, played by Amy Adams used food blogging to motivate herself and document her progress as she cooks her way through Julia Child’s The Art of French Cooking. 

Peppered with visual feast of scrumptious dishes, the movie Julie & Julia never fails to give me an urge to cook.  One particular scene on the movie which drives me soaring nuts to the core was when Julie (Amy Adams) and her husband Eric (Chris Messina) dug in to the Bruschetta which Julie prepared.   It looked so delicious it made me cry.  I could almost taste French bread in garlic butter with lavish tomatoes and basil leaves on top the way Eric raved how delicious it is between mouthfuls of bites with oil and tomato juices dribbling down his chin.  It looks so gorgeous (the bruschetta, and yes, Chris Messina as well) and very appetizing.  After watching it the first time, I head straight to our kitchen and made one for myself. 

 YedyLicious' Tomato, Basil, and Cheese Bruschetta

According to Barron’s Food Lover’s Companion (fourth ed.), Bruschetta (broo-SKEH-tah; broo-SHEH-tah) is from the Italian word bruscare meaning “to roast over coals,” this traditional garlic bread is made by rubbing slices of toasted bread with garlic cloves, then drizzling the bread with extra-virgin olive oil.  The bread is salted and peppered, then heated and served warm. 

Variations may include toppings of whatever ingredients that suits you.  The most basic are tomatoes and basil leaves just like in the movie.  Some would want to have mushrooms, cheese, meats, or even fruits, seriously, it’s your call.  For my Bruschetta, I used the usual tomatoes, basil leaves, and cheese.  Very simple, yet the satisfaction I got from it made me a happy camper.

"Bruschetta Scene"  Still shots form the movie Julie & Julia

Tomato, Basil, and Cheese Bruschetta is fairly easy to make.   Grill or toast your choice of bread until it’s crunchy on the outside while retaining some softness inside.  Rub it with cloves of garlic then drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle some pepper and salt, then fry or grill it. Top it with combination of chunks of tomatoes, basil leaves, cheese, extra virgin olive oil, herds, and spices tossed together for a good measure.  Then serve it.  The keys to an awesome Bruschetta recipe are absolutely-fresh ingredients, a creative mind, and a big appetite.