1 Large Loaf of Crusty French Bread or Sour Dough Bread -Uncut
1 lb. Sweet Italian or Irish Sausage
1 Bunch of Green Onions – Chopped
2 Large Meaty Tomatoes – Chopped
5 Large Cloves of Garlic, Peeled, Chopped or Minced
1/2 to 1 lb. of Mushrooms, no particular kind -washed and sliced
(If Mushrooms are hard to find, use two cans of Button Mushrooms, drained)
1/4 Cup of Italian Salad Dressing or a Vinaigrette
2 Cups of Freshly Grated Jack, Provolone or Medium to Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 Cup of Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
Fresh or Dried Parsley – chopped
Additional Herbs and Seasonings of your choice, if desired
Other Optional Veggies: Green Bell Peppers, Red Bell Peppers, Red Onions, Zuchini, Steamed Brocoli, or anything that you feel might be yummy.
Bread:
Cut the loaf in half, lengthwise. Pull the bread in pieces out of the center of the loaf and either freeze for later use or give it to the birds.
Once you have hollowed out both halves of our loaf of bread, place them on a baking sheet. (You may want to spray with non-stick spray for easier clean up later.)
Brush the open sides of the bread with the Salad Dressing or Vinaigrette. Set Aside.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
While the oven is preheating, cook your sausage completely, breaking it into small pieces and draining off the fat. If the fat is not spicy, you can add that to your dog’s food. (Remember dog’s need limited fat intake also.)
Set aside the sausage.
Brown the Bread in your oven for about 3 min., just enough to lightly toast the inside.
Begin adding the layers of your Bruschetta.
I layer first with the sausage,
adding some cheese, then mushrooms, then cheese and top portion has the green onions, tomatoes and parsley.
You can layer it any way you want to, and add any additions.
This is a fun activity for children to participate in. You can cut the bread into smaller sizes and give each child their own tray to choose from, to create individual meals.
Once all ingredients are layered, put back into oven and fully heat, until cheese is melted and the ingredients have absorbed all the flavors, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Serve with salad, fruit and a smoothie.
