These Italian-inspired baguette slices use only a few simple ingredients but add a Mediterranean flair to any meal. Prepared as savory crostini that requires only a few simple ingredients, the diced canned tomatoes are recipe ready and nutrient rich. Another festive option: turn this appetizer into a light holiday meal by serving it with a chopped Italian salad and a whole-wheat pasta dish.

1 large French bread baguette, cut in 24 (1/2-inch thick) slices
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
2 tablespoons chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
24 small slices (about 4 ounces total) fontina or provolone cheese

Heat oven to 350°F.

Place baguette slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted, turning once.

Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, olives, parsley, vinegar, oil and red pepper in a medium bowl.

Place 1 cheese slice on each toasted baguette slice; return to the oven. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt.

Top each with about 1 tablespoon of the tomato mixture. Serve immediately as an appetizer.

Calories 120; Total fat 3g; Saturated fat 1g; Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 300mg; Carbohydrate 18g; Fiber 1g; Protein 4g; Vitamin A 4%DV*; Vitamin C 4%DV; Calcium 6% DV; Iron 6%DV