• 2 lbs of your favorite tomatoes, chop and drain excess liquid
• chopped garlic (as much or as little as you like - 2 tsp)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 medium sized cucumber, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar (or you can substitute lemon juice)
• chopped basil leaves
• +/- chopped good quality olives (if you like)

1. Mix together and let stand covered in the refrigerator while you make the croutons.

This is a great appetizer or side dish. Panzanella is a traditional Italian dish that is great with in-season heirloom tomatoes from your local farmers' markets. Inspired by Angeli Caffe (Evan Kleiman's restaurant in Los Angeles does a fabulous one when the heirloom tomatoes are in season!). Once again, I'm not very good with exact measurements because I like to experiment.