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On Saturday night I attempted to intervene my way into my brother’s 23rd birthday party but after watching him throw back his sixth tequila shot and feeling compelled to stick my finger down his throat before he went to a bar to imbibe even more (why delay the inevitable, really?), I realized.

I’m just too old for this.

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This was also after listening to his friends discuss, with solemnity and intense focus, the meaning of the word “starship” in Nicki Minaj’s eponymous hit single.

Conclusion – a certain male sexual organ.

Perhaps I’m a bit naive, but Nicki!  Really?  Why?!?!?

I had such idealistic and celibate hopes for that one.  And I just kind of really wanted it to be about partying in outer space.  Is that so wrong?

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So I left at midnight, thoroughly disturbed both by my brother’s seemingly unending alcohol tolerance (especially considering my own one drink maximum) and by the fact that nothing exists in this world without sexual innuendo anymore.

Not to mention that he used one of the margarita cupcakes that I made for him as a tequila shot chaser.  (Is NOTHING sacred?!?!?)

And decided that from now on, when I want to intervene, I have to do it on my own terms.

And my own terms always involve stuffing him with oodles and oodles of vegetables.  Always.

So to Mother’s Day, I brought this bruschetta.

And though he claimed that he wasn’t hungover in the slightest (I think his exact words were, “I mean, really Joanne. I only threw up water.”), he also hadn’t eaten anything all day.  And so he shoveled these crostini down faster than he did the shots the night before.

Intervention accomplished?  I think yes.

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This bruschetta is sweet salty spicy and chock full of veggie goodness.  Plus it’s covered in queso fresco.  Win.  I think it would be just about ideal for any upcoming spring/summer barbecues or parties.  But if you just want to sit at home and spoon it out of the bowl and into your mouth with a spoon…I’ll totally understand that as well.

For this week’s Food Matters Project recipe, we were making bruschetta.  I kind of just went in my own direction with it and didn’t really listen to any of Bittman’s suggestions.  For more bruschetta ideas, check out the FMP website and for the original recipe, check out Laura’s blog!

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Roasted Vegetable Bruschetta with Queso Fresco
Makes 1 1/2 quarts, adapted from Dana Treat

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 ears of corn, husk and silk removed and kernels cut into a bowl
  • 1 large red onion, sliced thinly
  • 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 2 large red bell peppers
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 orange bell pepper
  • 4 kumato tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 oz kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 baguette
  • queso fresco

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 450.  In a large bowl, toss together the corn kernels and red onion slices with 1 tbsp olive oil, the chipotle chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt.  Put on a parchment lined baking pan and roast for 20-25 minutes or until onion is cooked and caramelized.  Remove and set aside.
  2. Place bell peppers on a second parchment lined baking pan and roast for 30 minutes, turning over once halfway through.  Remove from the oven and place immediately in a covered bowl or paper bag shut tightly for 10 minutes.  Peel off skin, remove seeds, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, peppers, corn and onion.  Stir in olives, garlic, cumin and lime juice.  Season with salt and pepper.  Let the vegetables marinate for at least one hour and up to six hours.  Serve on top of sliced baguette and top with queso fresco crumbles.

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You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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84 Responses to Roasted Vegetable Bruschetta with Queso Fresco {the food matters project}

  1. Ooooh, what a great combo of veggies on this bruschetta. I am loving this!

  2. Happy Birthday to your brother!!! Love this bruschetta!

  3. Adrienne says:

    I think I was too old for that nonsense even when I was 21 haha “But I only threw up water!” bahahaha I love it. I also love the pet photobombing. This bruschetta gets two thumbs up.

  4. Yum! This is super unique – I love this idea! Also, I think your bro is just like any other boy. How do they drink so much?!

  5. I could definitely eat it all up with a spoon, but with a baguette is so much better. Looks fantastic. Happy birthday to your brother!

  6. OohLookBel says:

    But you’re too young to feel old! At least, you cook (and take photos) with a maturity beyond your years… Love the colours in this bruschetta, too.

  7. Claudia says:

    Lately, I’ve just been merrily cooking from your blog once a week. This week is no exception. Never met a buschetta I didn’t love. And the cheese – well, yes win. Your brother has sense – he ate this, right?

  8. Barbara says:

    Nobody could resist these bruschetta, Joanne. And roasted veggies too. What great flavor.
    Happy Birthday to your brother!

  9. Nothing is sacred. It can’t be unheard no more! Btw, love these bruschetta!

  10. Catherine says:

    Dear Joanne, I agree that you should do things from now on your terms. Don’t wait as long as I did to begin to put this philosophy into action!
    The brushetta look divine. I would love it. Blessings dearest. Catherine xoxo

  11. This bruachetta looks vibrant and flavorful. Love the corn and the onions!

  12. Louisa says:

    That looks delicious.

    I love those Kumato tomatoes-best winter tomatoes you can get!!

  13. london bakes says:

    Ah yes, this post sounds *so* familiar. We have a fair number of 21/22 year olds at work and I have just come to accept that I’m out of touch with them and probably never will be ‘cool’ again. Oh well.

    Love the flavours here and the queso fresco on top. Perfect.

  14. Tequila – clear, water – clear! Did he see the similarities? Lovely yummies you made to make him feel better 🙂

  15. sally says:

    I like it! What a great take on bruschetta.

  16. Beth says:

    I decided a long time ago that I’d rather take my calories in the form of bread and sweets instead of alcohol. It’s incredible that he has such a tolerance, but you are such a sweet sister to look after him like that!

  17. kelsey says:

    YUM! This looks delish! I am cracking up at this post. I thought I was the only person in their 20’s that’s ‘too old’ for stuff like this.

  18. What a fantastic combo of flavours!

  19. I have more and more of those “getting too old for this” moments these days. Sigh. Guess growing up is a good thing, aye? And I know this bruschetta is a good thing – serious yum on that bread there. Want a few!

  20. Faith says:

    Lol, I’m glad the intervention worked in the end! 🙂 This looks so good — it combines all my favorite summer veggies in one dish…I am soooo craving corn lately! Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day with your mom!

  21. This looks positively scrumptious! I could see a lot more than just bread being graced with a topping like this, even though I’m pretty sure I could eat bruschetta everyday and be happy. Yum!!

  22. Casey says:

    You don’t have to follow directions to make something delicious.

  23. Oh Joanne, Next week I have to make this! It looks amazing! What a way to do up bruschetta! I love it!!

  24. What a delicious looking bruschetta, Joanne! ALl those veggies and olives, too. Yum! 🙂

  25. Lora says:

    I love the addition of those sweet kumata tomatoes in this. Lovely!

  26. Megan says:

    Ooh this looks amazing. I need to plan a party just so I can make it. I’ve been craving veggies a lot lately.

  27. Margarita says:

    I love the fiesta combination on your bruschetta!

  28. Gorgeous! Sounds like your brother needed some veggies to recover!

  29. Jenna says:

    You know how to pile the veggies into a recipe, that’s for dang sure! I’m loving the flavors in this, and I’m jealous that your brother gets to benefit from your cooking so often.

  30. Epicurea says:

    soooo ready for picnic season, please warm sunny weather, come soon! and what a beautiful photo of the onion!

  31. Amy says:

    Oh goodness. No. I do not miss those days. At. All. Most nights we watch bad tv after the kids are in bed and then I follow shortly thereafter. Like by 9pm. But whatever. Boring is the new black.

  32. This is such a great idea for bruschetta, Joanne! Your recipe looks so delicious and flavorful, and definitely like a nice change from the norm!

  33. That roasted veg bruschetta looks divine, Joanne, and I just happen to have an 8 ounce disc of queso fresco in the fridge. It’s my lucky day.

  34. Beautiful pictures! I would love this for a hangover curem and I’ll probably go with the straight from the bowl into my mouth option 🙂

  35. marie says:

    Mmmmmm, this looks great. When I worked at the restaurant I ordered bruschetta at the end of most nights, it was so perfect, but I like the look of yours, I can never have enough onions, I love them.

  36. Oh this looks awesome and is something I could probably eat several times a week! Thanks for sharing this recipe because it looks like it will be a favorite!

  37. Danielle says:

    This looks great – You have some of the best vege recipes out there. I love this!

  38. Carolyn Jung says:

    Bread, cheese and colorful veggies — what’s not to like? A perfect nosh for any occasion.

  39. Pam says:

    So many great flavors and textures! I am sure it made your brother feel much better after his night partying.

  40. KeelyMarie says:

    you had me at sweet salty spicy!

  41. Jenn Kendall says:

    this looks awesome! so many wonderful flavors going on…i love that you made it spicy and i’m sure it goes super well with that queso fresco. definitely putting this on the must-make list!

  42. Did someone say Queso fresco? I thought so, I love love love it! A perfect rendition of the classic brushetta

  43. Christine says:

    What a great recipe! Aren’t Kumato tomatoes the best till summer’s crop is available? Copied all the ingredients I didn’t have to my grocery list, surprisingly, I had most items. Will be deleting the chile powder since it wreaks havoc with my stomach. May throw in some curry powder instead. Love the queso fresco topping it off! Yum. Oh, and six shots of tequila? Haven’t seen that much since college! Just makes me cringe!

  44. Guru Uru says:

    Bruschetta is my weakness, especially as delicious as yours – it looks perfect 😀

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  45. This is so beautiful. Love the colors and flavors!

  46. Camila Faria says:

    Such an interesting twist on the classic Bruschetta. Love it!

  47. grace says:

    ‘queso fresco’ is such a magical phrase. just say it with me, joanne. queso fresco. so lovely. great bruschetta!

  48. I think it’s funny that I can SEE your brother and the other “characters” you write about. You write well. This would make an awesome appetizer at my next party! Yum!

  49. I like your Mexican spin! Corn is perfect for this time of year, too.

  50. Uhhh, yum! And you’re not too old – I can even still throw back a few tequila shots now and then 😉

  51. Great twist Joanne! Love that he used the cupcake as a chase LOL!!!

  52. Wow, what an interesting bruschetta! It looks delicious!

  53. Katie says:

    It’s recipes like these that make me really, really glad that I didn’t add too much extra queso fresco to the dish I was making last night so that I can use the leftovers here. Now I just need to grab some veggies to roast. This is making me so hungry right now!

  54. Lexi says:

    Joanne, that sounds great!

  55. Gloria says:

    love the colours Joanne!

  56. Sarah says:

    oh i LOVE queso fresco. yum yum YUM!

  57. Kim says:

    I love that last pic with the dog peeking in the bowl…too cute! I could make a meal out of this bruschetta. It has all the things I love.

  58. Evi says:

    Haha, love the story about your brother. Makes me feel a little old! =)

    Your bruschetta looks delicious, and although your brother might never admit it, you’re an amazing sister!

  59. Natalie says:

    pretttty sure i’m 25 going on 75, or so my younger siblings like to tell me (slash call me grandma). that’s okay, i’ll just stay home and eat this bruschetta, and chase THAT with a margarita cupcake 😉

  60. Jeanette says:

    This bruschetta topping is right up my alley. I haven’t tried queso fresco before but I’ve seen it in our local supermarket.

  61. I never had queso fresco before but it sounds great. Your brother makes me laugh lol, Jen

  62. I love the corn in this bruschetta. When I live in Portugal they used to always put corn and grated carrots on the sandwiches and it was soo tasty.

  63. I always love bruschetta but yours looks really delicious with the roasted veggies on top! That Kumato tomato is my favorite these days. 🙂

  64. Eileen says:

    I am definitely super glad not to be indulging as much as I did in college. Ah, the benefits of aging. 🙂

    That corn and red onion combination looks wonderful! The whole business makes me want a trip to Mexico.

  65. A very Happy Birthday to your brother…
    The bruschetta looks fabulous!!! Love the roasted veggies…

  66. i want to party in outer space.
    also this bruschetta looks like pure success. also i made your lemon poppy seed cookies from way bock when and they were just phenomenal.

  67. Hahaha yup, that moment when you realize “I’m too old for this s@$%t! This bruschetta looks like perfection to me.

  68. tigerfish says:

    The vegetable goodness is very enticing on a simple piece of bread (bruschetta)! I have seen the kumato tomatoes in Trader Joes. I shall try them soon.

  69. daphne says:

    hahaha… I didn’t know that about that song! oops. LOL this bruschetta looks so nutritious- and no one is too young or old for it!

  70. Dawn says:

    The perfect appetizer!

  71. Blond Duck says:

    I’m so glad I have everything to make this!

  72. Dana says:

    You are a good sister – that is for damn sure. When my own brothers went through their drink a million drinks phase, I just steered clear. I love what you did with this!

  73. Ranjani says:

    Oooh, I love seeing interesting twists on bruschetta! Sounds like the perfect hangover food =)

  74. That Girl says:

    Man I’m too old for that stuff! (But I’m a lot older than you)

  75. Marcia says:

    This look fantastic!

  76. I’m starting to feel too old for that stuff, too. Hope my brother outgrows it soon! He’s 23 as well. Your bruschetta topping looks amazing!

  77. Awesome intervention! I could just imagine your brother scarfing this down!

    And I think my heart dropped when I read about the margarita cupcake shot chaser. You know you could always send some to me. I would savor every. single. bite. 🙂

  78. Johanna GGG says:

    these look truly beautiful with all the colours – makes me want to make bruschetta – or invite you to bring a dish for dinner 🙂

  79. Using a margarita cupcake as a chaser, Goodness!! LOL!! love the flavors!

  80. Shannon says:

    ooh, yum. what a fabulous bruschetta!!

  81. Nicole, RD says:

    This will be my dinner one night. Because I could eat all of this and be very, very happy.

  82. Summer makes me so excited for bruschetta with fresh tomatoes .. I’ve never seen a version of bruschetta that looks like this, and I mean that in a good way, it looks amazing!

  83. Chris says:

    Ha ha, young dumb boys…eeerrr…men and their adventures. I guess the bad Jefferson Starship will be surprised about the new meaning of their name 🙂

    These beauties sound fantastic and great for curing the morning after.

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