• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Recipe Wench

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Kitchen Gear
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About Us
    • Recipe Index
    • Kitchen Gear
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Published: Aug 27, 2015 by Bridget · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Bruschetta - Simple and Fresh

    Bruschetta-3

    Ristorante/Pizzeria Da Baffone

    . . . is a restaurant we've been going to as a family for years.

    When Jeff, Jackie and Alyssa first arrived in the Naples area, Baffone's is the first restaurant they went to.

    (I happened to be stuck in Norfolk waiting for my visa to arrive. . .)

    Baffone's has been one of our favorites from the very start.

    When we arrived in 2006, the girls were 12 and 14 years old.

    Baffone's has a playground and petting zoo!

    Although, at 12 and 14, Jackie and Alyssa were too old to be entertained by the playground, the petting zoo held their attention.

    Donkeys, horses, chickens, llamas, and an assortment of birds including peacocks.

    The summer after Jackie graduated from high school, Alyssa and a couple of her friends (Jade and Courtney) came to stay with us for the summer.  During a visit to Baffone's we sent Jackie and Alyssa off, armed with our camera, to show their friends the petting zoo.

    Later, after dropping Jackie and Alyssa off at college, Jeff and I sat down to enjoy the photos taken that summer.

    To our surprise there is this gem of a photo of our very own daughter climbing the fence to the petting zoo.

    jackie baffones

    Oh man it's going to be fun watching Jackie raise her own teenagers some day.   Lord, let us live long enough!

    It was always usually so relaxing to go for a leisurely dinner.  The bonus was knowing the girls would have plenty to keep them interested.

    Even though Alyssa and Jackie no longer live with us, Jeff and I go to Baffone's often and have developed a friendship with a few of the waiters.

    These waiters have kept close track of the various cars cycling through our possession over the years . . .

    The status and location of our cars is usually the topic of conversation upon our arrival.

    They all want to go for a ride in the American muscle car.

    After some automotive back and forth, we usually settle down to order their house red wine and acqua frizzante.

    Our favorite menu item is "Antipasto al Italiano."

    It is really not just a dish -- it's more of an "event."

    Baffone's Antipasto al Italiano is comprised of sliced meats: prosciutto, salami, speck, some simple green olives, a large portion of fresh mozzarella di bufala, a plate full of heavenly fried dough balls with seaweed called "Zeppoline di alghe," a couple of amazing pieces of the best bruschetta ever, a selection of eggplant, zucchini, and various other vegetables prepared in a variety of ways (we love the roasted vegetables under olive oil).

    There's always a big basket of bread to accompany the antipasti, but we're careful not to fill up on bread -- that's a rookie mistake.

    This delicious and more-than-ample "meal" runs us €10 per person, not including drinks.

    But let me rave about the bruschetta because that's the whole point of this post.

    • Tasty, ripe tomatoes, salt, olive oil and some fresh basil.
    • Grill slices of bread because an open flame does amazing things to bread.
    • Gently rub a garlic clove over the grilled bread.
    • Lovingly top the bread with a spoonful of the tomatoes.
    • Maybe drizzle a bit more olive oil if you're feeling sassy . . .

    Bruschetta

    THAT. IS. IT.

    Simple and fresh.  Just the way it should be.

    When you keep it simple, the amazing flavors of the tomatoes and basil shine through.

    There's nothing like it.

    Bruschetta

     

    I guarantee the cooks in Baffone's kitchen are not following any recipe for bruschetta.

    I think they were born knowing how to make it!

    But, to give you an idea of what bruschetta tastes like in our neck of the woods, I've put this recipe together.

    Enjoy!

    Bruschetta - Simple and Delicious

    Print recipe
    • Print with main photo
    • Print text only
    Bruschetta - Simple and Delicious
    Meal type Appetizer
    Bruschetta is one of the easiest appetizers to put together. Choosing flavorful, ripe tomatoes is key. Allow tomato mixture to develop flavors and then adjust seasonings if necessary. Honestly, this is even a great breakfast! Enjoy!

    Ingredients

    • 2 Cups diced fresh ripe tomatoes
    • ½ Teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 Tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil
    • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
    • 3 Cloves garlic
    • 1 baguette (or a rustic bread of your choice)

    Note

    Bruschetta is one of the easiest appetizers to put together. Choosing flavorful, ripe tomatoes is key. Allow tomato mixture to develop flavors and then adjust seasonings if necessary.

    Honestly, this is even a great breakfast!

    Enjoy! - The Recipe Wench

    Directions

    Step 1
    Place diced tomatoes in a non-reactive bowl (preferably glass)

    Sprinkle salt over tomatoes

    Add thinly sliced fresh basil

    Drizzle olive oil over all.

    Toss gently.

    Allow flavors to develop for 15-30 minutes.

    Taste. Add additional salt, if necessary.
    Step 2
    Slice bread into ½ inch slices.

    Toast (over open flame if at all possible)

    Gently rub garlic clove over toasted bread

    Spoon tomato mixture over toast and serve

    Bruschetta collage

    Be sure to share!

    • Tweet
    • Email
    • Print

    More Appetizers

    • Tzatziki with a hint of dill - goes so well with grilled chicken or steak
      Tzatziki: A delicious souvenir from Greece
    • This simple dipping sauce for artichokes will drive you wild! A little butter. A little mayo. Some seasonings. Perfection! | The Recipe Wench
      Simple Dipping Sauce for Artichokes
    • The cheeseboard is an easy eye-appealing appetizer to feed a crowd. Perfect addition to your New Years Eve party! | The Recipe Wench
      Winter Cheeseboard 101
    • Baked Brie is one of the easiest last-minute appetizers I can think of! Top with nuts and dried fruit, drizzle honey and Enjoy! | The Recipe Wench
      Baked Brie Appetizer

    Reader Interactions

    We want to hear from you!Cancel reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Bridget! So glad you're here! I'm a former legal secretary, now wife, mother, grandmother and full-time blogger. My husband Jeff and I live in Colorado with our doggies. My favorite things are family, doggies, gardening and cooking!.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • 21 Gift Ideas for the Cook in Your Life
    • Watermelon Salad with Cucumbers and Feta
    • Greek Chicken Skewers - "Souvlaki"
    • Sunsets and Donkeys in Greece

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 The Recipe Wench