Image: Rachael Ray Show

Avril Lavigne shared this bruschetta recipe in People magazine earlier this year and I have made it for several parties and dinners. It is very quick and easy, and I ALWAYS get compliments! Not sure how her bruschetta differs from others, except maybe the 1/2 cup of Canada you add before the lemon juice.

Try it at your next Christmas or New Years party!

Avril Lavigne’s Bruschetta

1 loaf French bread, sliced into 1 inch slices
2-3 tbsp. butter, softened
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, diced
4-5 cloves garlic, minced*
6 large basil leaves, minced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2-3 tbsp. olive oil
salt
pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter once side of each piece of bread and place pieces on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes or until bread is golden brown (I lightly toast the bread without butter, for a healthier option. You won’t even miss it).
2. In a bowl, mix tomatoes, garlic, basil, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top each piece of bread with about a tablespoon of the tomato mixture. Serve.

Makes 20-25 pieces

*(Note: I use WAY less garlic than the recipe calls for, 1 clove at the most.  Personal preference, but it’s plenty in my opinion)

Yum.