This recipe is certainly a crowd pleaser and incredibly easy for parties! For those that have never tasted pesto, bruschetta is a perfect first experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 large French loaf
• olive oil
• 4 oz. garlic and herb cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 c. pesto
• 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
• garlic salt
• 1/2 c. shredded parmesan

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350* and spray two cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the French loaf vertically into about 2 inch sections. Arrange bread pieces with the soft interior facing up and lightly drizzle with olive oil (I use a silicon brush to spread the oil over the top portion evenly).
3. Place the bread into the oven for approximately 7-8 minutes until the top is just starting to crisp.
4. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, pesto, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garlic salt. Gently toss to coat the tomatoes. Place about a tablespoon of tomatoes onto the tops of the bread pieces and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
5. Return to the oven and bake for additional 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted (be careful to not overcook because the bread will become bricks).

Yields approximately 20 pieces.

Eat, Bork, and Be Merry!

~ Kate