Another great American Sporting Weekend is upon us, as, this Sunday, The New England Patriots do battle for the ultimate football prize against the Atlanta Falcons

For those of you who’ve been following us for a while, you might know that Boston was my home town when I first came to the US. So, sorry Falcons fans, I’ll be rooting for the Patriots this time around

Ingredients for your Bruschetta

However, you cannot watch the Superbowl without a snack and a beer. Whether at a Superbowl Party, or hanging out with the football fans in front of the TV, it’s part of the experience

When looking for inspiration, I found myself leafing through a couple of cook books in my collection focusing on Italian cuisine, from the famed River Cafe and Carluccio in London. I hear you say, “Pizza?” Not this year folks! the Italians have a perfect fresh toasty snack which is delicious, quick to make and savory and in my view just perfect for this most

American of games. Bruschetta, of course!

Ingredients (for 4)

Topping prepared

• Half a dozen large plum tomatoes
• 3 cloves of garlic (finely dice 2, cut the other in half and set aside)
• Half a dozen fresh basil leaves, finely sliced
• A dozen chunky slices of fresh ciabatta bread sliced at a 3o degree angle
• 1 tsp of Balsamic Vinegar
• 2-3 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp of roughly ground black pepper

Method

Brush that Ciabatta with Olive Oil

• Blanch the plum tomatoes (prick skin, pop in around a quart of boiled water – remove and peel skins)
• Remove seeds and dice the tomatoes into roughly 1/2″ / 1.25 cm size cubes
• Mix the chopped tomatoes, basil, chopped garlic (not the clove set aside), balsamic vinegar and seasoning in a bowl
• Toast the sliced ciabatta bread on a baking sheet at 450 f / 220c until the edges toast (around 2-3 minutes), remove from the oven
• Rub the face of each slice with the pieces of garlic set aside, then brush each slice with the olive oil
• Spoon the chopped tomato mix onto the top of each slice of the toast and serve immediately

Just Fabulous!

I served my Bruschetta with a glass of Mermaid Pilsner from Coney Island Brewing Co in Brooklyn. A light bodied, straw colored, crisp drinking German lager style brew, with  a slightly earthy taste and a hint of rye. Easy drinking for the Superbowl.

Go Pats!!!!!

Go Pats!!!!!!!!!