Bruschetta

In this country, we mistakenly think of Bruschetta as the chopped tomato mixture that goes on top the bruschetta. The great thing about Bruschetta is that you can top it with anything you like.

Why not try one of these diabetes-friendly toppings:  Fresh Tomato & Basil Sauce,  Portobello Mushrooms & Onions with Balsamic Glaze, or White Bean, Herbs, Garlic, and Lemon Spread – all found in Barbara’sStress-Free Kitchen Cookbook.

Cook’s Tip: Can be made a day ahead of time and placed in a plastic bag.

Serves: 24; Serving Size: 1 slice

Ingredients

1 loaf Italian bread, sliced 1/2 inch on the diagonal

Large garlic cloves, cut in half vertically.

Extra virgin olive oil spray

Preparation

Rub one side of the bread with the cut side of a garlic clove. Spray each slice of bread with olive oil spray. Place oiled side of bread down on grill or oiled side up under broiler. Grill or broil until golden brown.

Nutrition Information

Exchanges/Choices

1/2 Starch 1/2 Fat

Calories 60

  Calories from Fat 15

Total Fat 1.5 g

  Saturated Fat 0.3 g

  Trans Fat 0.0 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Sodium 110 mg

Potassium 20 mg

Total Carbohydrate 9 g

  Dietary Fiber 1 g

  Sugars 1 g

Protein 2 g

Phosphorus 20 mg

Not all recipes presented here are necessarily appropriate for all people with diabetes, nor will all recipes fit into every meal plan. No two meal plans are alike. Work with your health care provider, diabetes educator or dietitian to design a meal plan that's right for you, and includes the foods you love. A key message for people with diabetes is "Carbs Count." Foods high in carbs (carbohydrates) -- bread, tortillas, rice, crackers, cereal, fruit, juice, milk, yogurt, potatoes, corn, peas, sweets -- raise your blood glucose levels the most.

For many people, having 3 or 4 servings of a carb choice at each meal and 1 or 2 servings at snacks is about right. Keep an eye on your total number of servings. For example, if you choose to have dessert, cut back on potatoes.

Round out your meals with a serving of:

Meat (such as fish or chicken) or meat substitute (such as beans, eggs, cheese, and tofu) about the size of a deck of cards and

Non-starchy vegetables (such as broccoli or lettuce). If you have three (3) or more servings of non-starchy vegetables, count them as a carbohydrate choice. Three (3) servings is equal to 1 1/2 cups of cooked vegetables, or three (3) cups of raw vegetables.

Check your blood glucose to see how your food choices or these recipes affect your blood glucose. If your meal plan isn't working for you, talk to your dietitian about making a new one.

Along with exercise and medications (insulin or oral diabetes pills), nutrition is important for good diabetes management. By eating well-balanced meals in the correct amounts, you can keep your blood glucose level as close to normal (non-diabetes level) as possible.

The recipes on this page are only a part of what is offered in recipe books from the American Diabetes Association. Many also include information on meal planning, portion control, food buying and seasoning, as well as general cooking hints and tips for people with diabetes.