Tomato Obsession

While on a summer vacation/buying trip, I finally found something that I've been trying to find for years. It has the most delicious scent, of greenhouse tomatoes. I'm giving you a peek at my tomato obsession {and no, you can't eat it!} while also tempting you to make this quick and beyond delicious Tomato Bruschetta - that one you can eat! It's perfection! Imagine along with me that you have the pleasure of visiting the most amazing greenhouse, attached to an old large French maison. The walls are a little crumbly, the glass not quite clear here and there. But inside? Not only are the vegetables and a few little flower plants thriving, there is the most incredible smell. Earthy. Green. Rich. Natural. {That alluring smell stays in your heart and your memories for years and years.} The head gardener let's you walk around with him, while telling you in French all about the maison, when the green house was built, and what things grow in what season. Also that the greenhouse and gardens grow all the food that the family and their guests eat all year long. Although you barely understand him, you get his enthusiasm for his plants. Are you imagining it?! Although the larger tomatoes are still green and "pas prêt", he gathers some small tomatoes and offers to share them with you. You thank him, and walk back to the village, to your gîte that you rented for two weeks. Since you went to the village shop earlier and brought back a long baguette, a bottle of wine, some basil and olive oil and cheese, you are inspired to make a delicious lunch. More on that later! That's what I had in my mind and heart while searching for my latest discovery, our French Tomato Vine Candle. Inspired by the fresh tomatoes on the vine in that greenhouse, or in the farmer's markets of Provence. After searching for the perfect tomato-scented candle for years, a quick whiff of this one made it clear I'd found the one. Finally!! Hand-poured in green glass with the highest quality ingredients to provide you many special moments. Scented with the fresh scent of tender heirloom tomato vines warmed by the afternoon sun, just like in that magical greenhouse in France. Earthy and green, perfect if you are an avid gardener or, if like me, you just adore this amazing scent. Our French Tomato Vine Candle is part of our Le Parfait Cadeau Autumn Collection which will launch next week. Look for it then on the site. I'm obsessed. Or in love. Or both. In the meantime, you can enjoy these last days of summer with this easy to make bruschetta made with fresh, natural ingredients. Trust me, it's delicious! You can make this simple but amazing bruschetta in just 15 minutes.

Tomato Obsession Bruschetta

INGREDIENTS: 1 large French baguette, sliced thin. 3 tablespoons olive oil. 2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes, cut in half. 1 teaspoon good balsamic vinegar {the thick, syrupy kind. I use more.} 1 clove garlic, pressed Pinch of salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste Basil leaves whole. Sliced cheese or shredded cheese, I used mozzarella/parmesan but you can use whatever you love. DIRECTIONS: Bruschetta slices:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the thin baguette slices onto your baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil. My friend sprays olive oil from a spritz can, but I like to drizzle better.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.

Tomato Topping: Meanwhile, combine cut tomatoes, the balsamic vinegar, the garlic, salt and freshly ground pepper in a bowl. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Gently mix. If you are out of fresh garlic, use garlic salt or dried garlic, this is not an exact science. It will still be good!! Once the baguette slices are crisp, layer on a slice of cheese {or grated cheese.} Place back in oven and bake for 4-6 minutes more, or until cheese has melted. Top each baguette slice with the tomato mixture, garnish with basil. Enjoy! Both the French Tomato Vine Candle and this bruschetta are high on my list of obsessions right now! I hope they will be high on your list of obsessions, too. Look for our candle next week. Make the Bruschetta NOW.

Tomato Obsession, it's a good thing, non?!

A BIENTOT

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