Zucchini Bruschetta with Lemon, Basil and Sweet Tomatoes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 475 F degrees.
2. Start by dicing your zucchini (or summer squash).
3. You’ll want to toss the zucchini on a baking sheet with a small drizzle of olive oil and a few grinds of fresh sea salt and pepper. Bake for 15 – 18 minutes, so edges start to get brown and a little crispy.
4. Meanwhile, mix the ricotta, lemon juice and basil ribbons together with sea salt and pepper to your preference.
5. Dice the cherry tomatoes so they are similar in size to the zucchini, and put in a bowl. Finely dice the shallots and add to the tomatoes.
6. If you have a toaster oven, you can slice your baguette about 1/2 inch thick and toast it in there. If not, wait until the zucchini is done and lower the oven to 300 F.
7. Set the zucchini aside to cool and place your baguette slices on the pan. Let them toast for a few minutes, until the top is just starting to get slightly crispy to the touch. Remove from the oven.
8. Peel your clove of garlic and cut in half.
9. As soon as you are able to handle the baguette slices, rub an open side of the garlic on the bread. You should smell the delicious aroma as you do this!
10. Spread the lemon-basil ricotta on each slice, and top with bruschetta, gently pressing down so the bruschetta holds in place. Serve on a platter and garnish with additional basil ribbons.