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Chicago Deep Dish Toast

Today, we’re celebrating a hometown classic. Lifeway Kefir was born in 1986 in the Chicago suburb of Skokie, IL. And with that in mind, we’ve developed a recipe that honors one of The Windy City’s most beloved specialties. Our Chicago Deep Dish Toast is a tribute to the flavors of the city’s famous pizza, with the tomatoes on top of the cheese in true Chicago fashion. But where deep dish pizza is dense and heavy, this recipe is lighter and more nutritious. Made with fresh basil, ripe cherry tomatoes, and tangy Lifeway Farmer Cheese, this full-flavored treat is a Toast Tuesday triumph.

Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know

With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.

Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunityimprove allergies, and improve digestion. Studies have also shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.

Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You

Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates that are a source of fiber that are naturally found in a variety of plant foods[b]. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems. Lifeway Oat contains both prebiotics and probiotics for optimal gut and brain health.

Prep Time: 20mins Servings: 2-4

Directions

  1. On a baking sheet, coat cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves in olive oil, basil, oregano, and salt and pepper. Bake for 425 degrees for 15 minutes.
  2. In a bow, toss together bread crumbs, basil, red pepper flakes and 1 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Once the tomatoes are done, take them off the baking sheet and set aside, add on your bread crumbs, and sourdough bread. Drizzle olive oil on the bread, and layer on Farmer Cheese. Broil for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Top the bread with breadcrumbs, tomatoes/garlic, and fresh basil.