Foodie Friday: Toast the end of summer

The artisanal toast trend has made its way from the California bay to the East coast, and we couldn’t be happier about it! If you ask us, there’s no better (or easier) way to highlight vibrant, deliciously fresh ingredients. This trend consists of hearty slices of artisanal bread, topped with gourmet savory or sweet ingredients like avocado and chili flakes or pumpkin butter and sea salt. There’s really no right or wrong way to make toast and it is the perfect vehicle for any kind of flavor. This dish is so versatile and can make a hearty breakfast, delicious brunch, perfect party appetizer or satisfying dinner!

We incorporated this trend into our coastal themed celebration to launch the Pittsburgh JPC Event Group office at the Riverside Center for Innovation with a gourmet Crostini Bar. Slices of grilled bread hung from a unique display and guests were able to build their own custom creations with a variety of artisanal toppings such as housemade guacamole, roasted heirloom grape tomatoes, house crafted hummus, marinated vegetables, roasted asparagus tips, local eggplant and black olive caponata, lemon herb ricotta with olive oil and sea salt.

So what are the tricks to creating the perfect toast? Here are some expert tips from Food52 to help get you started –

• Don’t settle for sliced white bread. Pick a toothsome loaf — a seeded multigrain boule, or crusty ciabatta — to give your base some heft.
• Start with a creamy base like hummus, ricotta, smashed avocado, or pesto. The flavor will saturate the bread and add some punch. 
• Top with fresh vegetables and your protein of choice. Stick with what’s in season — tomatoes now, kale in winter — for the freshest-tasting toast possible.

For a breakfast that doubles as dessert, try this Spanish-inspired treat. Toast thickly cut slices of crusty bread and soak them in extra-virgin olive oil before topping them with chocolate. Pop the slices into the oven until the chocolate softens, then sprinkle with sea salt. Pair with coffee—or wine—for a decadent snack. – TODAY Food.

For additional savory and sweet toast recipes, visit Bon Appetit.