Pico De Gallo

This is the most wonderful salsa you will ever eat.  It is wonderful just on chips, but heavenly on tacos and quesadillas.  And it only takes a few minutes to make. Make it in the summer when you have tomatoes and onions and cilantro from the garden.

medium tomato, diced
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and choppped (I leave this out)
2 sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped (I use about 4)
1 green onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
salt to taste
pepper to taste
juice of fresh lime, to taste

In medium bowl, combine tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro and green onion. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir until evenly distributed. Sprinkle with lime juice. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Sonoma Toast

4 slices baguette
4 oz. aged cheese, such as white cheddar or St. George, sliced
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
8 large fresh basil leaves
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil.
1 tsp. chopped fresh basil

Place bread on baking sheet. Broil 4-5 inches from heat for 2-3 minutes or until toasted, turning once. Add cheese; broil 1-2 minutes more or until cheese begins to melt. Remove from oven. Top with sliced tomato and basil leaves.

In a small bowl whisk together vinegar and oil; drizzle over toasts and sprinkle with chopped herb.

Parmesan Toasted Baguette

Diagonally cut baguette in 1/2 inch slices. Lightly brush with olive oil. Broil 3 to 4 inches from heat, for 2 minutes. Turn slices; sprinkel shredded Parmesan and crushed dried basil.  Broil 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly toasted.

Baked Mozzarella and Tomato Basil Antipasti

2 c. pasta sauce
1. clove garlic, minced
8 oz. fresh bocconcini mozzarella or mozzarella cut in cubes
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 c. torn fresh basil
Parmesan Toasted Baguette

Heat oven to 350.  In four 12 to 16 ounce or one 1 1/2 quart, shallow oven proof dish, layer pasta sauce, garlic and mozzarella.  Bake 20 min. or until mozzarella is melted. Remove from oven; drizzle olive oil. Top with basil.  Serve with bread or toasted baguette.