A Flavor-Packed, Elegant Appetizer

This sweet and savory bruschetta is the perfect balance of fresh, juicy tomatoes, ripe strawberries, and fragrant basil atop crispy toasted bread. A drizzle of balsamic glaze enhances the natural sweetness, while creamy ricotta adds a luscious contrast. This easy yet elegant appetizer is perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or a light snack bursting with bright, refreshing flavors.

The Star Ingredient: Lip Smackn’ Grapes® Tomatoes

These vibrant, Lip Smackn’ Grapes® tomatoes from Village Farms Greenhouse Grown bring the perfect balance of natural sweetness and acidity, making them an ideal match for juicy strawberries in this bruschetta. Their crisp bite and intense flavor elevate the dish, adding a burst of freshness to every bite. Grown sustainably, these premium snacking tomatoes ensure top-notch quality and taste in every serving.

Servings: 4

Ready in: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup Lip Smackn’ Grapes® tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (plus more for drizzling)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade-cut
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 clove garlic, peeled

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomato & Strawberry Salad
   In a mixing bowl, combine Lip Smackn’ Grapes® tomatoes, diced strawberries, balsamic glaze, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Toast the Baguette Slices
   Preheat a grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. While still warm, rub each slice with the peeled garlic clove for a subtle, aromatic flavor boost.
3. Assemble the Bruschetta
   Spread a generous layer of creamy ricotta cheese on each toasted baguette slice. Top with the tomato and strawberry salad, making sure to get a bit of the flavorful juices on each piece.
4. Garnish & Serve
   Sprinkle with fresh basil chiffonade, then drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for an added touch of sweetness. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, vibrant appetizer!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these bruschetta immediately—warm, crisp bread topped with juicy strawberries and sweet-tart grape tomatoes is best enjoyed fresh.
• If you’d like a sweet-tangy accent, finish each bruschetta with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• For extra richness, add a thin layer of softened goat cheese or ricotta to the toast before topping.

Enjoy your personalized Bruschetta with Strawberries & Lip-Smacking Grape Tomatoes! This simple but impressive appetizer balances savory, sweet, and fresh herbal notes—perfect for brunch, parties, or a light summer meal.

A Restaurant-Worthy Dish in Under 30 Minutes

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors with these seared sea scallops paired with jammy cherry tomatoes. This gourmet dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an elegant yet approachable meal for weeknights or special occasions. The bursting sweetness of slow-simmered cherry tomatoes enhances the rich, golden-browned scallops for a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated.

Why Cherry No. 9 Fall In Love Again® Tomatoes?

This recipe features Village Farms Cherry No. 9 Fall In Love Again® tomatoes, which are known for their extraordinary sweetness, vibrant red hue, and juicy texture. These tomatoes release a luscious, jam-like consistency when gently simmered, creating the perfect sauce to complement the delicate, buttery scallops. Their natural balance of acidity and sweetness enhances every bite, making this dish a standout.

Servings: 4

Ready in: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
• ½ cup shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 1 pound Village Farms Cherry No. 9 Fall In Love Again® tomatoes, halved
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 16 large sea scallops, tough muscle removed
• 2 tbsp. grapeseed oil, plus more as needed
• 1 lemon, halved
• Fresh basil and mint, julienned, for garnish
• Coarse sea salt, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jammy Tomato Sauce
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the butter to melt.
   • Stir in the shallots and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until tender but not browned.
   • Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
   • Pour in the white wine and simmer until half of the liquid has evaporated.
   • Add the halved Cherry No. 9 Fall In Love Again® tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until the tomatoes release their juices and become soft and jammy.
   • Transfer the tomato mixture to a small dish and wipe out the skillet with a damp paper towel.
2. Sear the Scallops
   • Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to ensure a perfect sear.
   • Heat the grapeseed oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add half the scallops, spacing them evenly in the pan.
   • Season lightly with kosher salt and let them cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
   • Flip the scallops and cook for 1 more minute—avoid overcooking.
   • Transfer the cooked scallops to a plate and repeat with the remaining batch, adding more oil if needed.
3. Bring it All Together
   • Drain any excess oil and remove the skillet from heat.
   • Return the tomato mixture and its juices to the skillet.
   • Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and stir to combine.
   • Nestle the seared scallops into the warm tomato sauce.
   • Finish with the zest from both lemon halves, julienned basil and mint, and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.

Enjoy Your Gourmet Meal!

Serve this elegant dish immediately, pairing it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce or alongside a light salad. The rich, buttery scallops combined with the jammy Cherry No. 9 Fall In Love Again® tomatoes create a dish that’s simple yet absolutely luxurious.

Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors.