Avocado Toast

Avocado toast seems like one of those foods created by trend.  It started popping up everywhere in all kinds of versions seemingly overnight.  It might be trendy but for good reason, it's delicious.  Really delicious.   I sometimes eat this for a simple breakfast but usually serve it with soup or as a side to any dinner.

First things first, this is not just avocado smeared on toast.  Yes it can be for a quick snack but this is so easy to make why not kick it up a little with some variation.  I like to start with good bread.  I usually use homemade bread but any hearty bread will do, from Rye to an herbed white.   I also like to make my base layer a basic garlic bread and then build on it from there.  Lets get started!

You will Need:

Fresh Bread sliced and cut into portions.  (Half a slice= a portion)

Garlic, minced

Fresh or dried parsley, about 1 tsp.

Butter

2 Avocados

Slices of a sharp cheese or Brie

Balsamic Vinegar, flavored is preferred.  Here I used a Lavender infused balsamic vinegar

Salt and Pepper

1/2 a fresh lemon

Fresh Thyme and Sage, minced

Start with the basic garlic toast layer.  Preheat your oven to a broil.  Lay the bread onto a baking sheet or in a baking pan.  Butter the top side of the bread.  Spread the minced garlic, parsley and season with salt and pepper.  Toast these under the broiler until golden and edges starting to char.  Keep an eye on the bread while it's broiling.  After the initial 1 minutes it's going to need to be watched to avoid burning.  Remove from oven.

Mash the avocado in a bowl using a fork.  It's ok to keep it chunky here.  Squeeze the lemon into the avocado and stir to combine.  Season with a little salt.  Stir in the sage and thyme.

Top each bread with some avocado, being generous.  Top with a slice of cheese then drizzle with the balsamic vinegar.

These will go fast so make plenty!  As another great variation, broil some cherry tomatoes in the oven for about 30 minutes and top the toast with the tomatoes.  They add a great sweet addition.