There is nothing bland about it!

Summer is finally here! For people like me who live in Wisconsin, this is the beginning of some fun times like enjoying cookouts with friends and family, a picnic or two, hiking, and the list is endless. This past year has been especially testing due to the pandemic. Like many others, I have missed seeing friends and family. I strongly feel that our group of friends and family provide a warm, comforting and a meaningful circle around us, having to stay away from everyone was extremely testing and challenging. During past years it has been so much fun to invite friends and family, cook something fun and enjoy the wonderful times. 

This summer I am really looking forward to getting together with friends and family often and recreating the warm and refreshing get-togethers. When I invite guests, it is supposed to be a party for me too, what does that mean? It means that everything is ready, the kitchen completely clean so no one can guess that all this food actually came from this kitchen, I am dressed up to mingle and enjoy the evening. I am not at all fond of the parties where guests are supposed to help and be in the kitchen, what kind of party is that? 

Here is one of my favorite appetizer recipes to celebrate the beautiful tomato season and get your summer started. Hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe with people in your life!

Bruschetta-with Olive Oil and Whole Cumin

1 fresh Italian bread, sliced
4 tablespoons Olive oil
4 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon whole cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ cup green onions, chopped
2 cups White Jasmine Sajji BBQ Gouda, grated

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Place bread slices on a baking sheet and evenly drizzle olive oil. Place the bread in the oven for 1-2 minutes until the edges turn golden brown, remove from the oven. In a bowl, add tomatoes, cilantro, green onions, whole cumin and salt. Mix well. Place the tomato mixture on each bread slice and top with White Jasmine Sajji BBQ Gouda. Place the bread back in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts. 

-Huma Siddiqui-Seitz is an entrepreneur, published author, cooking class instructor and owner of White Jasmine.