Italian Red Pepper Bruschetta

Ingredients:
1 loaf (1 pound) unsliced Italian bread
3 garlic cloves, minced, divided
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 large sweet red peppers, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil, divided
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
6 plum tomatoes, sliced
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese, julienned
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Cut bread in half lengthwise; place on a baking sheet. In a nonstick skillet, saute 2 garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons oil until tender. Brush over cut side of bread.
In the same skillet, saute the red peppers, onion, Italian seasoning and remaining garlic in remaining oil until vegetables are tender; remove from the heat. Add 2 tablespoons basil, parsley and oregano; cool slightly. Place in a blender or food processor; cover and process until pureed. Spread over bread.
Top with tomato slices and cheese. Sprinkle with remaining basil. Bake at 400° for 10-13 minutes or until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown. Yield: 12 servings.

Italian Stuffed Tomatoes




Ingredients:
8 medium tomatoes
1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chopped zucchini
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups cooked long grain rice
3/4 cup shredded provolone or part-skim mozzarella cheese
6 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
Cut a thin slice off the top of each tomato. Leaving a 1/2-in. thick shell, scoop out the pulp; chop pulp and set aside. Invert the tomatoes onto paper towels to drain.
Meanwhile, cook sausage, onion and garlic in a skillet until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Add tomato pulp, zucchini, basil, oregano, vinegar, salt and pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in rice, provolone, 3 tablespoons Parmesan and parsley; spoon about 2/3 cup into each tomato.
Place in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more or until the tomatoes are heated through. Yield: 8 servings.