Easy Burrata Bruschetta

Perfect appetizer, or pair with your favorite glass of wine and enjoy as a light dinner.

Burrata. It's on every trendy menu in town. If there is a dish with burrata in it, on it, or near it - I want it. I still remember the first time I tried it. It was several years ago when a friend had ordered it as an appetizer, and my first reaction as I watched him scoop up the gooey looking cheese was, "that does not look very appetizing." I didn't say it, of course, but I clearly remember thinking it. He offered me a bite and I was hooked. How had I never tried this deliciousness before? I had had all sorts of cheeses in my life but somehow had sidestepped this delectable dish. 

Trader Joe's: Basil, Artisan Sourdough Bread
and Organic Whole Wheat Pain Pascal 

Yesterday in the midst of a food-based conversation with a friend, I began having an intense burrata craving. (He tells me I have an unnatural obsession with this cheese. I'm starting to wonder if he's right.) My plan was to get some groceries at Trader Joe's, then hop over to Whole Foods for the burrata, but turns out TJ's carried it! I was hesitant to try it, but this quick fix would have to do. And it did. 

• 2 heirloom tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8-10 large basil leaves, chopped
• burrata
• extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt
• balsamic vinegar
• fresh cracked black pepper
• your favorite crusty bread/baguette, sliced (I tried the two breads pictured here, and they were both great.)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In medium size glass bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic and basil. Drizzle 3-4 tbs of olive oil and add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper to taste. Stir and let sit for 10-15 minutes. On baking sheet or sheet of foil, arrange slices of bread in a single layer. Bake for 5-10 minutes, until slightly browned and remove from oven. On each slice, spread some of the burrata and top with the tomato mixture. Drizzle balsamic vinegar on top and serve.