By Annette Gallagher
Correspondent

Let’s talk dough, as in bread. Thanks to the Atkins devotees, bread has gotten a really bad rap lately, but as with all foods, bread in moderation is a good thing. In fact, there is medical evidence that we need the nutrients and vitamins in carbs like bread and pasta for our brains to function correctly. (Ever know a dieter who snapped for no apparent reason?) In order to have your bread and eat it too, try lighter forms of bread such as pitas, Syrian flatbreads and lavash.

These are widely available today. All of the grocery stores have a wide selection, as does the Spice Center (located on the corner of Maple and Valley streets). The Spice Center has amazing wrap breads. Every time I have checked them they are fresh, so if the ones at your local market seem stale, check them out. They also have the huge Syrian pockets used by so many of Manchester’s non-chain pizza places (Annula’s, Santorros) that are harder to find in supermarkets.

Besides offering a sandwich with a lower carb count, many flatbreads are available in whole wheat and flavored varieties. Try Joseph’s brand for a good whole wheat pita. Joseph’s also makes smaller sized pitas that are great when toasted and spread with hummus or other dips, used for mini-pizzas or for finger sandwiches with a modern twist. Slice rolled lavash sandwiches into pinwheels and secure with toothpicks for a party tray.

Tip: If your flatbread wants to fold and break instead of rolling smoothly, wrap it in a slightly dampened paper towel and nuke for a few seconds.

Fillings for wraps can be as simple and classic as salami and provolone with veggies and Italian salad dressing, or as complex as you wish. Here are some of my favorites. Each one makes enough for two people to eat well.

Italian Vegetable

Chop four to six bottled artichoke hearts, two whole roasted red peppers, one cup roasted or fried eggplant, two plum tomatoes and two leaves romaine lettuce. Distribute evenly over top of Syrian bread or flatbread. Sprinkle with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Add pieces of mozzarella cheese and either bake for pizzas (omit lettuce) or roll up and eat at room temp. This is also great stuffed into a pita with cheese.

Avocado Chicken Salad

Dice two cups rotisserie chicken, one whole pitted avocado and two plum tomatoes. Toss with ranch salad dressing to taste and one teaspoon chili powder. Serve stuffed into small pitas sliced in half or spread on lavash bread, top with lettuce and cheddar cheese, roll up and serve.

Ham and Swiss

Spread a lavash or Syrian wrap with mayonnaise and then with a thin layer of Dijon or honey mustard. Cover with layers of smoked ham and slices of Swiss cheese. Add lettuce and thinly sliced tomatoes, sprinkled with salt and pepper if desired. Roll and serve.

Classic Italian Combo

Layer a variety of Italian cold cuts on lavash bread. Try Genoa salami, capicolla, prosciutto and sopressata. Work provolone and mozzarella cheeses into the layers of meat. Top with slivers of roasted red peppers, tomatoes and lettuce. Drizzle with vinaigrette or Italian salad dressing. Roll and enjoy. Omit lettuce and wrap in foil, then bake until cheese is melted and bread is crisped slightly, if desired.

­ If you have any questions about cooking, send them to askannette@gmail.com.