Bruschetta Bar Recipes

Steps:

• For the tomatoes and olives: Add the tomatoes, green and black olives, basil, olive oil, garlic and some salt and pepper to a bowl and mix.
• For the marvelous mushrooms: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the quartered mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes; drain. Add the olive oil, vinegar, parsley, thyme, pepper, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a bowl and mix. Stir in the mushrooms and let cool, then tip the mixture into a mason jar.
• For the marinated mozzarella balls: Add the mozzarella, basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, lemon zest and some salt and pepper to a mason jar. Top up with the olive oil, put on the lid and shake.
• For the roasted asparagus: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Put the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until brown in spots and just tender (not overly so--still with a bite), about 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl.
• For the bruschetta: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Cut the boule in half, then cut each half into 1/2-inch slices. Drizzle both sides of the slices with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill the slices until toasted, about 3 minutes each side.
• Arrange the tomatoes and olives, marvelous mushrooms, marinated mozzarella balls, roasted asparagus and bruschetta on a large tray or rimmed baking sheet so everyone can assemble their own.

Steps:

• Core and chop the tomatoes, then transfer to a colander over a bowl or in the sink. Add the salt and gently stir. Let drain for up to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the garlic oil: In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil and garlic over low heat until the garlic is softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, making sure the garlic doesn't brown. Set aside to cool.
• Roll the basil leaves up and thinly slice crosswise.
• When the oil is cool and the tomatoes are well drained, combine the tomatoes, garlic oil and basil in a medium bowl. Season with additional salt, to taste. Spoon over toasted bread.