Plenty of time to join in May's Random Recipe Challenge which can be found at Belleau Kitchen.
This month we have to randomly choose a book and then make either the first or last recipe in that book.
I used random.org to choose my book and landed on one of my favourites. It is Real Fast Food by Nigel Slater. One of his early books and chock full of quick, simple recipes. This book is especially brilliant if I happen to be cooking something quick and easy just for myself. Some of the recipes are really little more than one or two line ideas but that is what it is so great about the book - it is heaving with inspiration for a quick meal or snack.
One of the first things I ever made from the book was the Hot Chicken with Cream and Garlic Sandwich and it is now something I do fairly regularly. I will just suddenly have a craving for this recipe and nothing else will do. It takes less than 10 minutes to make.
Anyway the first recipe in the book is bruschetta and the last recipe is Hot Red Fruits - a syrup of tart fruits and an abundance of ideas for using this for desserts or breakfast. Mmmmm.
I went with the bruschetta, though, and even though Mr Slater gives 5 variations, I chose the simple and basic one as it is the first in the book.
And who doesn't love a simple bruschetta? I used wholemeal bread as I prefer it and scattered on a few basil leaves to gild the lily. I'd say this recipe neatly sums up the book - really quick and simple food but it really hits the spot.
You can't really improve on this recipe, can you?
1. Griddle some slices of a nice crusty loaf to toast them.
2. Arrange some sliced or chopped beautifully ripe and fragrant tomatoes on top.
3. Drizzle with good extra virgin olive oil.
4. Add some sea salt, black pepper and basil leaves if you wish.
5. Enjoy.
And, yes, we had this for a family dinner. No time cooking and a happy and well fed family. Perfect.
