Best-Ever Bruschetta image

Protein, vitamin A, and B vitamins promote your baby’s cell, brain, nervous system, bone, and muscle development.

MAKES 4 SLICES

WHAT makes this the best-ever bruschetta? A layer of Parmesan cheese, melted under the broiler, is the secret to keeping the toast from getting soggy. Feeling adventurous? Go beyond traditional tomatoes and basil and add chopped black or green olives, marinated artichoke hearts, or jarred roasted red bell peppers. Vegan? Skip the cheese. Gluten-free? Choose a gluten-free bread or use the topping on gluten-free crackers. These delicious toasts are great as a partner to a salad, soup, or as a snack. The topping will keep for two days refrigerated.

TOPPING

2 large or 3 medium-size tomatoes, diced and drained in a sieve

2 teaspoons cider or balsamic vinegar, or to taste

½ teaspoon minced garlic, or a sprinkle of garlic powder

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, or to taste

A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

BREAD

4 slices whole-grain bread, preferably from a baguette or small country-style loaf

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Prepare the topping: Combine all the topping ingredients in a bowl and gently mix. Adjust the seasoning and set aside.

• Prepare the bruschetta: Preheat the broiler or toaster oven to HIGH. Lightly toast the bread on both sides. Distribute the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the bread slices and then broil again until the cheese melts and begins to bubble. Transfer the bread to a serving plate and top with the tomato topping. Serve promptly.

Meal ideas

• Protein, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, or plant-based

• Green salad or vegetable (Creamy Asparagus Artichoke Soup, here)

• Reduced-fat milk or yogurt

• Fruit

Meal ideas and tips for diabetes

• Protein, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, or plant-based

• Green salad or nonstarchy vegetable (Great Green Broccoli-Spinach Soup, here)

• Reduced-fat milk or unsweetened reduced-fat yogurt, 1 CARB

2 slices bruschetta: Calories: 201 cals; Protein: 11 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Fat: 5 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sodium: 384 mg; Vitamin A: 1,042 IU; Niacin: 5 mg; Copper: 0.2 mg; Manganese: 1 mg; Selenium: 21 mcg; 2 CARBS