I’m starting to compile the recipes from my mom.  Let me start with the easier ones:

Vegan Bruschetta

 Basically, it’s toasted bread with topping/dip.  How easy is that?  Quite easy. 

Ingredients:

Old bread

Sliced garlic

Butter

Salt and pepper (optional)

Slice bread into ½ inch flat pieces. If using new bread, pop it in the oven for about 5 minutes on medium heat.  If using old bread, be sure it is a bit tough (you may leave it to air dry overnight).  Gently run a slice of garlic on both sides of the bread.  Spread a thin layer of butter over the bread and toast in the oven till butter is melted.  Spread some dip or add your

Here’re are some recipes for the dip/topping.

Spinach and Banana Heart Dip

½ c Chopped Spinach

½ c blanched banana heart

1 c greek yogurt or kefr cheese

¼ c organic mayonnaise

½ cup cheese (parmesan, romano, edam, or any cheese)

1 small onion, minced

Salt and pepper to taste)

Except for salt and pepper, mix all the ingredients together. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Note: Use this a day or two after preparing it so the flavors blend.  The greek yogurt is better used when it is sour.  If not sour enough, let it stand at room temp until it reaches the desired acidity.  In warm places, 3 hours should be enough.  But do test it.

Vegetable topping

1 tomato

3 pieces black Olives

About 5 pieces button mushroom

1 Bellpepper

1 Onion

Some Basil/rosemary/tarragon/oregano (fresh is better but dried is ok)

Olive oil for brushing (about 1 tbsp)

Salt and pepper

Chop tomato, olives, mushroom, bell pepper, onion.  Set aside.  Chop the basil, rosemary, tarragon and oregano.  If they are not all available, that’s still ok.  Just put enough herbs because these will give flavor to your bruschetta.  Take the bruschetta and brush it with some olive oil.  Put in the tomato mix.  Generously sprinkle the herbs over the vegetables.  Pop this in the oven  for about 5 minutes or just until the vegetables are warm.

 These recipes are best matched with a glass of cold water kefir beverage.  Yum!