Heirloom Tomato Toast with Fresh Ricotta

2 heirloom tomatoes
4 pieces of high-quality, fresh multi-grain bread
¼ cup fresh ricotta cheese
16 basil leaves
olive oil
salt
pepper

Thinly slice the tomatoes. Place the sliced tomatoes in a colander and let them drain for 15 minutes. Remove them from the colander and lightly sprinkle with salt. Toast the bread, then spread a layer of fresh ricotta cheese on top. Add the basil leaves. Layer the sliced tomato on the ricotta toast. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with pepper. Add salt to taste. Garnish with any additional basil leaves. Variation: Flavor the ricotta with chopped scallions, chives or other herbs