A.B.T. Tatou Bruschetta
People think bruschetta is simple. It is not. Simple food leaves nowhere to hide. Every ingredient has to earn its place. The bread is toasted with garlic butter until it is crisp on the outside but still tender in the center. That is your foundation. If you rush this step, the entire dish suffers. Then, instead of butter alone, you use lemon mayonnaise. Richness with brightness. It softens the bread without overpowering it. And the anchovy...good. Too many people fear it because they misunderstand it. Used properly, it doesn't taste 'fishy.' It brings depth, salt, and balance. It makes the tomatoes taste even more like tomatoes. The tomatoes are sweet. The shallots provide a gentle sharpness. Then shredded Brussels sprouts dressed in a lemon vinaigrette add freshness and a crisp texture that keeps every bite alive. And the zest...never underestimate the last touch. The aroma reaches you before the flavor does. It is the first impression and the final memory. Très bien. It is bright without being acidic, rich without becoming heavy, and every texture has a purpose. This is not a collection of ingredients…it is a conversation between them. That...is how you respect simple food.
Ingredients
for 18 bruschettas
18 rounds of baguette (about half a baguette)
2 tbs unsalted butter
2 clove garlic
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 lemon
1 tomato
1 shallot
1/4 tsp celery salt
1/4 tsp back pepper
8 brussels sprouts
2 tins anchovies in olive oil
Directions
Mince garlic, or press through a garlic press, into a small microwave safe dish with the butter and a pinch of salt. Microwave for 30 seconds to melt the butter.
Set your oven to broil. Brush the garlic butter on each of the baguette rounds and place on a baking sheet. Broil the rounds for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.
In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise with the zest and juice of half the lemon. Mix to combine.
Chop the tomato and mince the shallot, season with celery salt and black pepper, mix to combine.
Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts using a mandolin. Season with a pinch of salt and toss with juice from half the lemon and olive oil from the anchovy tins.
Spread 1-2 tsp of the mayonnaise mixture on each of the toasted baguette rounds. Top each round with an anchovy, followed by 1-2 tbs of the tomato mixture, and 1-2 tbs of the shredded brussels sprouts. Garnish each with remaining lemon zest.
Serve.