Homemade Bruschetta

I told you a while back - when I went to the Vance sister craft weekend - that Diana made homemade bruschetta for lunch.  It was to DIE for!  I made my own version today.  I did not have toasted sliced croutons, so I had to make my own.  I cut and then toasted pumpernickel bread (which I LOVE).  The tomatoes are from Costco.  I used about half of the package - they go a long way.  I could have used less.

I cored and thickly sliced the tomatoes and browned them in just a tiny bit of olive oil.

I first placed crushed garlic in the oil.  You can kind of see it in the photo.  I let that cook and then added just - a - dash (and I mean a dash) of oregano, salt and pepper.  You sprinkle less than 1/8 cup of sugar onto the tomatoes.  I would suggest going a little light on the sugar, as well.  Flip them, and let them continue "browning." Remember not to stir.  The tomatoes will break down while cooking.

While that's going on, I smeared a little cream cheese on each slice of pumpernickel toast.  When the tomatoes are done, spoon the mixture on each piece of toast.

Broil for just a few minutes, maybe 4 minutes.

Finished!  Mmmmm.  They were really good!