Ingredients:

For the Tomato Topping:

2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, chiffonade (thinly sliced) for garnish

For the Whipped Ricotta:

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

Zest of one lemon

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Grilled Bread:

Baguette or rustic Italian bread, sliced

Olive oil for brushing

1 clove garlic, peeled (for rubbing on the bread)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomato Topping:

In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly. Let it marinate while you prepare the other components.

2. Make the Whipped Ricotta:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Grill the Bread:

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on both sides.

Grill the bread slices until they have grill marks and are slightly crispy on the edges. Rub each slice with the peeled garlic clove for a subtle garlic flavor.

4. Assemble the Bruschetta:

Spread a generous layer of whipped ricotta onto each grilled bread slice.

Spoon the marinated cherry tomatoes over the ricotta layer.

Garnish with fresh basil chiffonade.

5. Serve:

Arrange the Michelin-star Bruschetta on a serving platter and drizzle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil.

Serve immediately, allowing guests to enjoy the bruschetta while the bread is still warm.

Optional Tips:

For an additional layer of flavor, you can infuse the olive oil with herbs like rosemary or thyme before brushing it onto the bread.

Experiment with different varieties of cherry tomatoes for a colorful and visually appealing presentation.

Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a balsamic glaze drizzle just before serving for an extra touch of sophistication.