Sole Food: Pinching pennies post-grad style

Basic Bruschetta

Ingredients:

1. (1) baguette = 99 cents
   
2. Olive oil
3. Minced garlic = 50 cents (one clove)
   
4. Mozzarella = $4-$8 (shredded or fresh)
   
5. Fresh basil = free if you grow it at home*

Total Cost: $5.50-$9.50 (around $15 with tomato, avocado)

Directions:

1. Cut baguette into 1/2 inch to 1 inch slices and arrange in a single layer on a baking pan.
   
2. Drizzle slices with olive oil a broil until golden and crisp
3. Remove from oven and pile slices with favorite toppings (garlic, sliced tomato, avocado, etc.)
4. Place mozzarella medallions (or sprinkle the cheese) on top of the slices and top with a basil leaf.
   
5. Broil once more until cheese has melted. Serve.
   

*I love to buy basil plant starts and plant them in a pot I keep in the apartment. If you cut holes into a Ziploc bag and shove it over the pot, the plants really thrive = ghetto greenhouse. I pay $1 for the start and have fresh basil throughout the season as opposed to $4 for a tiny package --with one puny sprig-- at the store)

Image: Heartofwisdom.com