Try these toasts when you want a tantalizing snack or appetizer or a sophisticated accompaniment to a soup or salad lunch.

Cooking spray
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms, such as button, shiitake, wood ear, oyster, or a combination, stems removed from shiitakes
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
1 tablespoon water
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 very thin slices whole-wheat bread, halved diagonally
2 tablespoons shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat the broiler.

Lightly spray a medium skillet with cooking spray. Cook the mushrooms and garlic over medium-high heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the thyme, water, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender, stirring frequently.

Arrange the bread triangles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Broil about 4 inches from the heat for about 1 minute, or until the tops are toasted. Turn over. Broil for about 1 minute, or until toasted. Remove from the oven. Spoon the mushroom mixture over each triangle. Sprinkle with the Parmesan. Broil for about 1 minute, or until the Parmesan is melted. Serve hot or warm.

To clean mushrooms, use a mushroom brush or wipe them with a damp cloth or paper towels. Never soak them in water, because they are very absorbent and may become mushy.