This braided bread is absolutely perfect for this week’s Toast Tuesday recipe. We start with Lifeway Farmer Cheese, the magic ingredient in this recipe. Our small-batch farmer cheese is an easy way to boost your lunch with protein and probiotics. We then add a layer of seasonings, cut roasted peppers, and spicy arugula. The cool, tangy taste of our Lifeway Farmer Cheese blended with the heat of the peppers gives this sandwich a warm, comforting flavor to help get you through these cold winter days. Is it lunchtime yet?
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 immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have 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-fat 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.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest probiotics, 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.
Prep Time: 45 mins Servings: 2-4Ingredients
- For Roasted Garlic:
- 2 garlic bulbs
- thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- salt/pepper
- For Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 cups parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cups lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- For Roasted Pepper:
- 2 red peppers
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- salt/pepper to taste
- 2 cups Farmer Cheese
- a handful of arugula
- Challah bread, sliced
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut tops off of each garlic bulb and pour in a tbsp olive oil. Garnish with salt and pepper and wrap in parchment papper. roast in oven for 40-70 mins. Until soft.
- To make the pesto, combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- To make the roasted pepper, cut open the peppers and lay them out. Drench them in oil, salt and pepper and roast at 400 for 30 minutes, or until soften.
- Once everything is done roasting, slice challah bread. Butter one side and toast in a pan over medium high heat. Top with roasted garlic spread, pesto, farmer cheese, roasted pepper, arugula and season with salt/pepper.
