Summer is here! Well, almost, if we’re being technical. And it’s my favorite time to be in the kitchen. Not only do you have access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, but everything is lighter, easier and less fussy. I could make an entire meal off a bowl of plump blueberries, or better yet, juicy watermelon sprinkled with mint and olive oil. Because that's what summer is all about, one or two ingredient meals that taste like pure bliss.
And while I don’t consider myself to be overly emotional (excitable, perhaps), it’s not uncommon to find me crying over a bunch of rainbow radishes or a beautifully geometric lemon. It's all just so amazing and it gets me every time!
Take these toasts for example. They are so simple. I’ve hardly done a thing and yet they look like a piece of art. Nature at its best! I like them as a refreshing summer substitute for avocado toast or even as a light snack or appetizer. Perhaps then they’d be called tartines!?
See below for all three recipes and why I love each one!
Cucumber, Feta Toast with Dill + Pistachio
Creamy, salty feta gets topped with shaved cucumber, fresh dill and toasted pistachios. It’s like an open-faced mediterranean tea sandwich, kind of.
- 1 Cucumber, sliced into ribbons using a vegetable peeler
- Whipped feta cheese
- Dill, chopped
- Pistachios, toasted and chopped
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Ciabatta or your favorite bread
Brush each slice of bread with a bit of olive oil and toast under the broiler for about one minute or until lightly browned. You can also just place each slice in the toaster. Once toasted, spread with feta cheese and top with cucumber ribbons. Then, sprinkle with as much dill and pistachios as you prefer and dust with ground pepper.
Strawberry, Goat Cheese Toast with Balsamic and Basil
Earthy goat cheese and sweet strawberries are a match made in heaven. Top with sliced, fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic and it’s like your favorite summer salad on toast.
- Fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
- Goat Cheese
- Fresh Basil, julienned
- Balsamic Glaze, for drizzling
- Fresh ground pepper
Brush each slice of bread with a bit of olive oil and toast under the broiler for about one minute or until lightly browned. You can also just place each slice in the toaster. Once toasted, spread with goat cheese and top with sliced strawberries and chopped basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.
Peach, Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme and Mint
There’s nothing like a fresh, summer peach. Which is why I like pairing them with ricotta - a creamy, neutral, spreadable cheese - and a sprinkling of fresh herbs like lemony thyme and mint. So. Good.
- Sliced peaches
- ricotta cheese
- fresh mint, chopped
- fresh lemon thyme
- honey, for drizzling
Brush each slice of bread with a bit of olive oil and toast under the broiler for about one minute or until lightly browned. You can also just place each slice in the toaster. Once toasted, spread with ricotta cheese and top with sliced peaches. Then, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme and mint.
