1/2 sm French bread baguette (about
-12 inches in length)
1 lg Garlic clove, mashed
Olive oil
6 md To large tomatoes, cut into
-large chunks
1/2 md Onion, chopped (10 to 12
-tablespoons)
3 tb Coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/4 c Balsamic vinegar
1/2 c Olive oil
Preheat oven to 300 F. Split the baguette in half lengthwise. Rub one half
very well with the mashed garlic on the cut side. Brush liberally with
olive oil. Cut the garlicked half in half again lengthwise and then cut
these strips into 3/4-inch pieces. Place croutons on a cookie sheet, crust
side down. Bake until dark golden, about 30 minutes or more. If croutons
are made in advance, place tomatoes in a large mixing bowl a bit before you
intend to mix the salad, then drain and discard any juice that may have
accumulated in the bottom of the bowl. To serve, add the croutons, onions,
and basil to the tomatoes. Whisk together the vinegar and oil for the
vinaigrette. Pour over salad and toss.
Recipe is from _Lee Bailey’s California Wine Country Cooking_.
Yields
6 Servings