Ingredients

16 baguette or ciabatta slices, diagonally cut for larger slices

3/4 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese

1/3 cup chopped California walnuts

1/2 teaspoon Mexican seasoning blend

Olive oil cooking spray

3/4 cup sliced small grape tomatoes (preferably red and yellow)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, plus additional for garnish if desired

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1 avocado, firm and ripe, mashed

California walnuts, chopped and toasted as garnish 

Preparation

  1. On a large baking sheet place baguette slices in a single layer. Toss cheese with walnuts and seasoning and press equal amounts very firmly onto each baguette slice. Coat liberally with cooking spray.
  2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. In a skillet carefully place baguette slices with cheese side down and cook for 3 minutes or until cheese is golden brown around the edges. Turn and cook 30 seconds more. (Cook in batches if necessary)
  3. Toss tomato slices with oil, lime juice, cilantro and garlic salt. Marinate for 5 minutes. In a small bowl mash avocado and drizzle with half the tomato marinade.
  4. Spread equal amounts of mashed marinated avocado onto bread slices. Top with tomatoes and walnuts. Sprinkle with additional cilantro, if desired.