Bruschetta is one of the simple pleasures when dining. Chopped tomatoes, combined with garlic, and olive oil. A few leaves of fresh basil. The bruschetta is actually the grilled bread. The topping of tomatoes and other ingredients has come to be known as bruschetta.

This is a variation of bruschetta featuring our food of the moment. More fun with cherries. Their tartness is paired with some creamy goat cheese and fresh herbs.

Prepare the cherries the same way we did for the previous recipes. You want to chop them into fairly small pieces after they are rinsed and pitted.

Take the goat cheese out of the refrigerator when you begin to work with the cherries. This will bring it to room temperature. The cheese will spread easily when you are ready to work with it.

Slice the baguette on a bias. This allows for more surface area when you begin to add the ingredients for your topping. Drizzle some olive oil on the surface of the bread. Turn over and do the same for the other side. You can use your less expensive olive oil here. Save the really good stuff for being mixed with the cherries as a topping.

Heat the grill and begin to toast the slices of baguette. It takes a matter of seconds to toast. Just after you place the last slice down on the grates, go bak and check the first slice. This cooking time goes quickly. Rub with garlic when the toast slices are still warm from the grill. Allow the slices to cool.

In a bowl, combine the cherries with some good quality olive oil and a bit of balsamic vinegar.The pucker of the cherries and balsamic vinegar are balanced by the fruity flavor of extra virgin olive oil. It may sound odd to add a pinch of salt. It brings these bold flavors into balance. Slice some ribbons of basil and add to the bowl.

The pots of basil sit right next to the grill for all our summer menus. Both basil and cilantro thrive in heat. They get the best of everything. The sun during the day, and the heat of the grill, when it’s time for dinner.

Spread the goat cheese on the toasted bread in an even layer. Top with the cherry mixture and some extra basil. Makes a great appetizer for a summer dinner menu. The crunchy toast layered with goat cheese and the zing of the cherries and vinegar. The basil lends a sweet flavor in the background.

Tomorrow some marinated pork chops get paired with the cherry mixture for another menu idea. Be sure and stop back and read all about it.