Recently, I noticed a new item on my local grocer’s produce shelf. Gourmet Garden is now making basil paste in a 4 oz. tube. I was so excited to see this because my family loves basil and I usually only make recipes with fresh basil during the summer months when fresh basil is cheap and plentiful. I always make sure to plant plenty of varieties so that I have lots of different flavors to add to appetizers, salads, canned tomatoes, and Italian dishes. Now my family can enjoy many of these recipes year round. Bruschetta is a popular favorite in my house and I was able to surprise my family with this tasty appetizer last night. I’m so excited to have found this convenient tube of delicious basil paste. It brings a touch of summer to the cold winter days in Indiana.
Bruschetta
3 medium tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tsp basil
1 tsp salt
2 Tbls. Parmesan cheese, grated
1 baguette or thin Italian loaf, thinly sliced
2 Tbls. olive oil
½ tsp. garlic powder
Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and chill before serving.
Line a cookie sheet with bread slices. Brush the slices with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake at 325 degrees for 7-10 minutes.
Pile tomato mixture on toasted bread slices and enjoy!
Simply Made Kitchen and Crafts 
I love basil / pesto – and bread. This looks great. I have never seen the tube of basil… I will have to keep my eyes peeled!
LikeLike
I just recently stumbled onto the tube myself, Shanna. It’s so great to have around during the winter months when the ground is frozen and the window sills are to cold and dry grow herbs indoors. I have found cilantro as well. Not quite as good as the fresh stuff but certainly a close second.
LikeLike