Quick and Easy Hors D'oeuvres - Italian Tomato Bruschetta

The origin of hors doeuvres or appetizers is interesting, They are meant to whet or stimulate the appetite and get one ready for the main course of the meal.

Stimulating the appetite is a balancing act that must at the same time, tantalize but never fill the guest up.

How many times have you filled up during the cocktail hour of a feast and then were too full for the entree?

If you want to make an Italian flavored Hors d'oeuvre, the best and easiest is bruschetta. From the Italian "bruscare" or "to roast over coals" tomato bruschetta is a tantalizing appetizer that is also deceptively simple to prepare.

Crusty Italian bread cut into 1/2 inch slices can become a fabulous treat. Drizzle the bread with olive oil and salt on a cookie sheet and pop in the oven at 350 degrees until they get crisp. Top these bits of toast with almost anything you have.

• Diced tomatoes
• Basil
• Oregano
• Garlic
• black olives
• Parmesan cheese
• Prosciutto de Parma

Use any, or all of these ingredients to have a wonderful appetizer. Once, I just brushed my bread with olive oil and some spices and it was lovely.

When choosing an appetizer, think about pairing the choice with the meal itself. A simple steak dinner can be paired with all sorts of appetizers, but keeping it simple will help in the kitchen. A tray of cheeses with good crackers is an oldie, but very enjoyable. Today you can get all sorts of cheeses in local cheese shops that are rare and will bring a bit of mystery to the party.

Keep it simple and enjoy yourself.