Bruschetta

Grape tomatoes are abundant at farmers’ markets this time of year, and I’ve got the perfect way to use them up! My recipe for Summer Bruschetta is a scrumptious starter course and makes one fine appetizer with drinks. Fun fact for ya: The Italian word Bruschetta translates to, “slice of toasted bread seasoned with oil and garlic.” If you’ve never cooked slices of bread in melted butter on the stove top, start living. There’s no time like the present!

I’m a firm believer in supporting Georgia farmers and shopping local whenever possible. All of the ingredients in my recipe are locally sourced, but can certainly be substituted wherever you live. I encourage you to visit a farmers’ market near you for fresh, local and nutritious ingredients! This recipe is simple, sweet and satisfying.

Learn more about the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market and Tuesday Market in the Park.

Farmers’ Market Summer Bruschetta

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons of Georgia Olive Oil
6 cloves of garlic, minced
Half of 1 medium Vidalia onion, finely chopped
2 pints red and yellow grape tomatoes, halved
Balsamic Vinegar to taste
1 tsp sugar
1 bunch fresh basil, separated into leaves, rolled up tightly and sliced (chiffonade)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Sugar Magnolia Bakery & Café Baguette
1 whole garlic clove, peeled
1 stick of butter

Directions
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet. Add garlic and onion and stir for about one minute. Pour into a mixing bowl and let cool slightly.

Add tomatoes, a splash of balsamic vinegar, sugar and basil. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Toss to coat. If time permits, refrigerate for one hour. If not, it is fine to use immediately.

Cut the baguette into diagonal slices. Melt half the butter in the same skillet you used for the garlic. Cook the baguette on both sides until golden brown. Rub toast with one whole garlic clove while hot. Repeat with remaining butter and bread.

To serve, stir the tomato mixture and spoon generously over toasted baguette slices.

Special Event
You’re also invited to join me at the Statesboro Mainstreet Farmers’ Market this Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. I hope you’ll stop by the Celebrity Chef tent to say hi and get a taste of my Summer Bruschetta! Be sure to listen out for my radio commercial (below) on air this week promoting the market.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar
Savannah, Georgia

Learn a place is underground and it’s immediately cool. Add a classy atmosphere, an attentive wait staff, well-presented food and creative cocktails that enliven your taste buds–now, that’s a place I’ll hang out. Jazz’d Tapas Bar in Savannah encompasses all these qualities. Let me show you.

Meet the Pomegranate Martini – $9: Vodka, Pama Liqueur and triple sec with a lemon twist. I love a good bartender that takes pride in his drinks. I can hardly wait to get back and order another one of these. Fruity. Cold. Smooth. Clean. That’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout!

The Traditional Bruschetta- $9: Grilled garlic rubbed baguette, layered with tomatoes tossed in balsamic vinegar, fresh basil and Mozzarella. It’s topped with shaved Pecorino Romano cheese. Absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. Loved the grill marks on the bread and…the cheese, LAWD at the cheese.

Adam Rapoport, editor in chief of Bon Appétit magazine recently said, “Great nachos are about architecture.” Same concept here. Would you just look at the construction of this bruschetta? It’s the perfect bite(s). Hats off to the chef!

Sesame Tuna- $11: Sesame crusted Ahi tuna slices over an apple-fennel salad. Garnished with a balsamic glaze. Note to self: That green stuff is not avocado. It’s wasabi. Will tingle nose hairs. The good-looking man I was with says, “I’m here to tell you, that’s some good eating.”

The bar is elegant and sleek. Located in Savannah’s Historic District on Ellis Square, you can celebrate Happy Hour right here from 4 – 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday.
I visited on a rainy Thursday night and dined to the sound of Trae Gurley singing Sinatra. It was fantastic entertainment. That’s another thing I love about Jazz’d–live music six nights a week featuring blues, swing, jazz or local talent.

If you’re like me and are fairly new to this idea of tapas, don’t be afraid. The concept originated in Spain and just means a wide variety of appetizers and snacks, usually ordered with the intent of sharing. The menu at Jazz’d explains: “An Americanized version of centuries old Spanish tradition.” They have over 35 tapas to choose from like Potato Leek Frittata with Mango Fig Chutney, Southern Crab Cakes (NICE!), Seafood Paella and the popular Martini Marinated Tenderloin Tips.