Sometimes I find myself in an entranced state when I cook. It’s as though I get lost in the food; in the flavors, the smells, and sometimes just the simple pleasure that good food brings to my soul.

I also get lost pinning things on Pinterest. Which is mostly just a distraction from what I’m actually trying to do which is work like a normal person and get to the gym.

Speaking of the gym, I have an update on my Big Foot/marine/professional wrestler trainer! Uhhh… he is legit crazy (yes I just said that). He made us do 30 jumpsquats, some weird miliary squats with weights, 20 billion planks, and suicides. It’s like high school basketball practice all over, and again, I thought I was going to die. Apparently he enjoys torturing people while he sits there and plans his next attack as Sasquatch or whatever he does in his free time. I mean he even told us to eat a Paleo based diet, which of course I won’t be doing. Only because I really like carbs and pumpkin pie season is coming (my obsession).

What?! No one tells me what to eat.

…Unless it’s someone really ridiculously good-looking like Pacey from Dawson’s Creek. Then I MIGHT consider his suggestion.

Bruschetta is delicious and quite healthy as far as appetizers go. Well unless you put fried onion rings and bacon on it.. then not so much.

However, I like good-for-you sorts of things. So toasted slices of whole grain french bread are slathered with one of my favorites: heart-healthy smashed avocado mixed with sea salt and fresh lime juice. Then I pile on a mixture of tomato, balsamic vinegar, garlic and olive oil. Oh and let’s not forget a little fresh basil!

Goodness. These cute toasts are simply delightful. Especially with fresh tomatoes from your garden!

They only take about 10 minutes to throw together.

Annnnndddd they are vegan! But I mean, if you hate vegan things you could just add a little goat cheese. Or bacon.

Hey by the way… did you guys know that I don’t eat pork or beef?

Seriously. What is wrong with me.

Smashed Avocado + Tomato Basil Bruschetta

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

5 mins

Total time

10 mins

 

Whole grain slices of french bread are toasted to perfection and topped with smashed avocado and a garlicky tomato basil mixture.

Author: Monique

Recipe type: Appetizer, Lunch, Healthy

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1/2 loaf whole grain french bread (or 1 petite loaf), sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 2 avocados, smashed
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus exta
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large roma tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 3-4 basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven on broiler setting.
2. Place slices of bread on baking sheet, spray with olive oil cooking spray and sprinkle with sea salt; broil slices in oven about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove from oven and rub with one clove of garlic (make sure to cut it in half before rubbing).
3. In a medium bowl, mix smashed avocado, lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and ground pepper.
4. In a separate large bowl, combine tomatoes, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Mince other garlic clove and add it into tomato mixture.
5. Spread smashed avocado mixture onto each slice of toast, then generously spoon tomato topping on top. Garnish with basil and serve immediately.

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