A Cook's View: Gourmet brekky in a flash!

I woke this morning and just couldn't face the thought of yet another breakfast of 2 weetbix - you know - New Year's Resolution for a healthy 2011 and all that 'stuff'. TBG had just walked in with fresh loaves of bread from the bakery and the aroma filled the house.

"Do you want tomato on toast?" he asked. Perhaps...but MY version.

I thought of a fast and easy bruschetta, and this IS fast. Probably not quite as delicious as when the bread is prepared on a brustolina grill but hey! I did promise it was fast.

Just the mention of tomatoes and basil bring memories of summer and Italy. The sweet perfume of vine ripened tomatoes also takes me back to childhood and being sent out into the garden to choose the ripest ones for dinner.

So here is my recipe for a fast and easy gourmet brekky that will have you walking into the office with a smile on your face!

Bruschetta in a Flash

2 slices of bread (sourdough, pana casa, foccacia or what's at hand!)

1 vine-ripened tomato (finely diced)

1/4 small red onion (finely diced)

fresh basil leaves (shredded)

Garlic-infused Virgin Olive Oil (or plain)

Balsamic Glaze

Sea Salt

Ground Pepper

Toast 2 slices of bread - sourdough works beautifully.

With a pastry brush dipped in the olive oil, lightly brush over the warm toast. I don't think the brush even came into contact with the toast which made me feel even better about my NY resolution! I used a lovely garlic infused oil from Fuch's - an Australian company from the Hunter region that produces delicious oils & vinegars - use caution when saying the name. (Check out their beautiful products and recipes).

Next, place the finely diced tomatoes and red onion on the toast and top with the shredded fresh basil.

Finish with a dusting of pepper, a little Maldon sea salt and a touch of Mazzetti Balsamic Glaze.

The whole process took only minutes and I felt as though I'd enjoyed a gourmet breakfast (well, compared to my faithful old Weetbix).

Yes, I'm smiling.