(Family Features) As families spend more time at home, Americans are finding comfort in a surprising source: bread. In fact, a 20-year trend of declining grain food consumption has been reversed.
A national study by the Grain Food Foundation suggests that the turnaround is more than a one-time sales blip due to pantry loading. In reality, consumers count bread among their top comfort foods. The study revealed one-third of Americans named pasta and bread as foods that are comforting during a stressful time.
In addition to the comforting flavor, this trend provides valuable nutritional benefits. As a part of many healthy eating plans, bread and pasta are nutritionist approved and provide nutrients needed for healthy aging such as B vitamins, magnesium, selenium, iron, folate and fiber.
To learn more about the role of grain foods in a healthful diet, visit GrainFoodsFoundation.org.
Cheesy Black Bean Toast with Pico de Gallo
Recipe courtesy of Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation
Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
6 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2 serrano or jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juice only
1/8 teaspoon oregano, finely crushed
1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 Hass avocado, diced
4 bolillos (6 inches) or large Kaiser rolls, sliced in half lengthwise
1 can (16 ounces) seasoned low-fat refried black beans
2 cups shredded Chihuahua or mozzarella cheese
Heat oven to 350 F.
In medium mixing bowl, combine tomatoes; onion; garlic; peppers; cilantro; lime juice; oregano; salt, if desired; pepper; and avocado; set aside.
On medium platter, split rolls. With medium spatula, spread refried beans onto each bread half; sprinkle cheese among bread.
Bake 5-8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and hot.
