Wine Bites - Garlic Toasts with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil and Garlic Herb Cheese

This recipe is a slight variation on one that I found in the cookbook, Wine Bites. The original calls for goat cheese, but I have used a garlic herb spreadable cheese for added flavor. I have served this appetizer twice and received rave reviews. May your guests enjoy this as much as mine have.

Garlic Toasts with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil and Garlic Herb Cheese
 
2 cups cherry tomatoes, a mix of red and yellow, stemmed and halved
2 Tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
About 1/2 French baguette, cut into 16 slices about1/4 inch thick
3 large cloves garlic, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
about 1/4 cup olive oil
Garlic Herb spreadable cheese
 
In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil and toss to mix well. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.
 
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
 
Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Rub the garlic halves over one side of the bread and brush lightly with the olive oil. Bake until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes.
 
Spread each toast with the garlic herb cheese, top with a spoonful of the tomato  mixture, and serve at once.

 
 


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