Bread with Caramelized Tomatoes and Ricotta Cheese

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 olive oil
2 cloves of crushed garlic
1 tablespoon of fennel seed
2 cups of cherry tomatoes-halved
1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper

12 slices of crusty bread
olive oil for brushing
1 1/2 cups of fresh ricotta
chopped basil leaves

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl combine olive oil, garlic, fennel seeds, salt and pepper--set aside!

Arrange tomatoes cut side up on a baking sheet, spoon olive oil mixture over tomatoes.  Sprinkle with salt.
Bake at 300 degrees until very soft, about 1 hour.

Brush top of bread with olive oil--bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Spread tablespoon of ricotta cheese on to each slice--top with tomatoes and a sprinkle of basil!