Directions

1. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350 degrees.

2. Slice bread into half-inch pieces and arrange on a baking sheet. Toast in oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, salt, and lemon zest. Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip the mixture until smooth and creamy.

4. In a separate bowl, combine diced beets, oil, basil, vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

5. Divide ricotta evenly among toasted bread slices. Top with beet mixture.

6. Optional: Bake/toast for an additional 5-8 minutes.

7. Chef Tip: Replace ricotta with goat cheese and exclude the salt in the cheese mixture.