Panzanella

A great summer treat from Saveur Magazine. It is good as an accompaniment to anything. Tomatoes, garlic bread, and herbs--all in the same refreshing dish--heaven!

ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
4 Tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic peeled and sliced
1/2 loaf French bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 lbs tomatoes
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper
1 handful of fresh basil leaves thinly sliced

directions

1
Preheat oven to 350. Heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil and the butter in an oven proof sauté pan and when the butter is melted, add the garlic and bread cubes and remove from heat and mix well. Place the pan in the oven and bake until the bread cubes are golden and crisp, about 15 minutes.
2
Slice the tomatoes into small cubes or pieces. In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes with the balsamic vinegar and remaining 1/4 cup olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
3
Shortly before serving, toss the tomato mixture with the bread mixture and the basil leaves.

Source: Louis Herrin