summer yummies: bruschetta, chocolate and brie

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When Mr. M is out of town, I throw back to my single days and often make silly things for dinner. Last Tuesday was no exception, as I stopped off at the store to buy some fresh bread but felt a bit uninspired to cook much since it was so darn hot out. I figured I’d stay simple, so I turned on my Giada Italian switch and made both bruschetta and a brie & chocolate panini for dinner.
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Bruschetta is incredibly easy to make and so delicious to devour. Once you have the basics of the bread prep down, you can top the toast with just about anything you like! Just cut the ciabatta into small pieces, brush with olive oil, and set on a grill/grill pan to toast. After about 2 minutes per side, sprinkle lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper over top.
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For Tuesday, I decided on a simple ricotta cheese topping with ricotta, tomatoes, and mint. Simply mix up the ingredients, add a dash of salt/pepper, and nosh away!
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Now, as for that Brie and Chocolate panini? Can I say that one you have one you’ll crave one every day of the week! Seriously… it’s like the best grilled cheese sandwich ever! And again, the ingredients and prep are so darn simple… remember, I’m home alone with the baby! Just set-up your panini press (or grill pan and press plate), line your bread with slices of brie, sprinkle chocolate chips on top, and then top with a layer of chopped up fresh basil and press! It’s the basil that makes the whole thing insanely delicious, so don’t forget your greens.
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So there you have it… simple meal for a hot day and a tired woman. :) I can’t wait to make Baby M some chocolate and brie sandwiches when she gets older… I think she might end up as the coolest kid on the block for that meal!