The Swedish Chef: Fresh Basil and Tomato Bruschetta

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Fresh Basil and Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients:

4 ripe tomatoes
1/3 c. fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp. sugar (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 clove garlic (whole - to rub on bread)
1 T. fresh oregano, chopped (dried is acceptable, if fresh is not available)
3 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 loaf crusty Italian or French bread
salt and pepper

Cut bread into one inch thick pieces.

Cut tomatoes in half. Remove seeds and discard. Dice tomatoes.

Combine with diced tomatoes garlic, basil, oregano and olive oil. If using dried oregano, be sure to crush it with your hands to release its oils, prior to adding it to the mixture. Sugar may also be added at this time, if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Place bread in oven to toast, under the broiler. Broil for a few minutes on each side. Watch carefully so they do not burn.

Rub garlic over toasts.

Top with tomato mixture and add mozzarella cheese, if desired. Place in warm oven until cheese melts.

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The Whole Story

Hi! My name is Randall Swanson, but I go by “Randy.” I am so excited to have you visit my website. I am 63 years old, a retired teacher, a father, and grandfather – and I have a passion for cooking. My father was a professional chef. My mother was a housewife, but an extremely great cook. I grew up having a home-cooked meal everyday.

I became interested in cooking as a young boy, watching my father or my mother preparing meals. I think this is what really influenced my love and appreciation for food. Although there were not many cooking programs on television, I remember, as a young boy, watching “The French Chef” with Julia Child. She spawned an interest for me in cooking. I began cooking at an early age, often helping my mother prepare the evening meal. This gave me the confidence to cook for other people. Over the years, I continued to watch as many cooking programs as I could. Many PBS chefs such as Julia Child, Jacques Pepin, and Jeff Smith were influences on me. Graham Kerr was also a major influence. I believe what I learned the most from the television chefs was technique, and it gave me the confidence to prepare various meals on my own.

I have appeared on WPSU-TV (State College, PA) several times giving cooking demonstrations in their “Alphabet” cooking series. Here in Warren, I have entered cooking competitions and have won the grand prize two years, and first prize in several categories. In 2008, one of my recipes was published in the Perkins Restaurant 50th anniversary cookbook. I have also done some small catering projects.

Although I prepare several Swedish recipes passed down from my father, my cuisine is very versatile. I love to modify and customize existing recipes, as well as creating my own versions of classic favorites. I hope that you will enjoy your visit to this website. I will be posting some of my favorite recipes and will try to show techniques through pictures. I would welcome your questions and comments. Let me know if you have made one of my dishes and what the results were. Once again, thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy!

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