Bruschetta-Topped Garlic Bread


Loaf of bakery-style bread, pre-sliced
**I go for pre-sliced and purchase directly from the supermarket bakery section. Experiment with french, sourdough, ciabiatta, etc.

For Garlic Butter:
1 tsp minced garlic, 1/4 cup smart balance butter softened to spreadable consistency, 2 T. grated parmesan cheese, 1 T. Italian seasoning blend, 1 T. chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

In a bowl, mix all ingredients for the garlic butter until well blended. Spread a thin layer of garlic butter onto each slice of bread.

For Bruschetta:
4 roma tomatoes seeded & diced, 1 T. olive oil, 1 T. basil, 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes chopped, 3 T. freshly shredded parmesan cheese, sea salt & cracked black pepper.

In a bowl, mix all salsa ingredients together. Spoon onto slices of bread.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until heated throughout. Sprinkle with in additional shredded parmesan before serving.

I saw a more complicated version of this in the Family Circle magazine (www.familycircle.com)
from July 2009. It was called Jimmy's Favorite Garlic Bread (*I'm still wondering who "Jimmy" is???)I think the recipe was actually by Guy Fieri, a Food Network star? I'm not sure...don't watch it, but I did find these links http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jimmys-favorite-garlic-bread-recipe/index.html or http://www.foodnetwork.com/guys-big-bite/index.html
Anyway, the picture looked good, but his recipe seemed extremely complicated and time consuming. So, as usual, I adapted! I guess if some of you are inclined to slave over a stove for 1 hour just to roast garlic, give it a shot and try his version as well. Then, someone out there, let me know how much worse mine is....??? In my life, time is everything, so most days I'll be sticking with fast & easy!