Roma Tomato Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a traditional Italian appetizer where small slices of grilled bread are rubbed with garlic and topped with such things as tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil and salt and pepper. With this recipe, each bite has the zip of the balsamic vinegar, garlic flavor from the oil, ripe tomatoes, and the crunch of toasted bread. Your taste buds will be doing a dance! Enjoy!

10 large fresh basil leave, chopped
or 1/2 tsp. dried basil
2 C. roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded
and chopped (about 1-lb.)
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 C. extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 loaf French baguette

Turn broiler on High. Stack basil leaves one on top of one another. Roll up. Slice crosswise thinly. Combine tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and sliced basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Combine olive oil and garlic in a small micro-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Cut bread into slightly angled 1/4-inch pieces. Brush with olive oil mixture and place on a baking pan. Place under broiler til golden brown. Just before serving, drain excess liquid from tomatoes. Spoon tomato mixture evenly over bread slices.