Garlic Toasts with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, & Goat Cheese

serves 6-8

2 cups cherry tomatoes, preferably a mix of red and yellow, stemmed and halved

2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 baguette, cut into 16 slices about 1/4-inch thick

3 large cloves garlic, peeled and cut in half lengthwise

1/4 cup olive oil

3 ounces mild goat cheese, at room temperature

In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil and toss to mix well.  Let the mixture stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Rub the garlic halves over one side of the bread and brush lightly with the olive oil.  Bake until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes.  

Spread each toast with the goat cheese, top with a spoonful of the tomato mixture, and serve at once.

Taylor's Notes:

This was really easy to make and is the perfect appetizer or snack for Spring and Summer.  I minced and mashed the garlic cloves with a little kosher salt and added it to the goat cheese rather than rubbing the cloves on the toasts.  Either way would be delicious, but I was with a group of garlic-lovers so we opted for the choice that would give us more flavor.  Good thing we didn't have dates that night!

Enjoy!