Life lesson #965
It's always the simple things that bring us the greatest joy
Photo Credit: Unknown
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I couldn't help but think this morning, as I opened windows for the kitties to sit in, how thankful I was for the warm spring day
Our radio's dial flipped to off, the sounds of kids on the playground my background noise of choice. Just how long had it been since this terribly tough winter had driven everyone indoors?
This week I've logged so many miles, remembering just how nice it is to put on my walking shoes, and simply head out the door. Some of my best thoughts come in those moments of mental quiet.
It seems only fitting to share a favorite at our house as of late: avocado toast. To date, avocados have been but a blip on my radar screen; not that I've disliked them really, more underwhelmed with their taste and texture.
A recent ten days in Mexico, along with a really great cookbook have since changed my mind
Photo Credit: Unknown
The premise is simple
A good piece of toast (for those who are gluten-free we used Udi, a bread given an approving nod by America's Test Kitchens)
A slathering of Vegenaise (a vegan version of mayo that, we think, tastes better than the regular)
Avocado
Salt and Pepper
Lemon juice (not 100% necessary, but nice nonetheless)
Once the bread is toasted, a thin layer of Vegenaise is spread before being topped with mashed avocado. Hit it with a little salt and pepper, a splash of lemon. That's it
We've found the combination a favorite any time of the day, adding a protein source to balance the meal. Our favorite variations: different flavors of Vegenaise, slathering roasted garlic on the bread before putting it in the toaster oven. My husband adds a fried egg and hot sauce for breakfast. I can't wait for slices of summer-time tomatoes
Gwyneth herself captures its essence better than I ever could
“It's the holy trinity of Vegenaise, avocado, and salt that makes this like a favorite pair of jeans. So reliable and easy, and always just what you want.”
Enjoy!
xoxo
ps: A few links from around the web; ideas for making your avocado toast just a wee bit fancy
9 Ways to Instantly Upgrade Your Avocado Toast [via Huffington Post]
5 Ways to Gussy Up Grilled Bread [via Bon Appetit]
Simply the Best Breakfast Ever? [via The Kitchn]
Avocado Toast All the Ways [via Chalkboard Mag]
pps: A great article from Slate about Vegenaise ( You can also find out why mayo inspires fervent hatred AND read about its history! Who knew? )
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~ Adapted from It's All Good by Gwyneth Paltrow
Avocado Toast
Ingredients
- 2 slices gluten-free bread, sliced thick
- 1 perfectly ripe avocado
- 1 -2 tsp Vegenaise
- sea salt + freshly grated black pepper
- splash of lemon juice
Instructions
- Scoop the avocado out of the skin into a bowl.
- Mash the avocado with a fork (mash well to create a smooth spread or just a few times for a chunkier version).
- Toast your bread to perfection, spreading the Vegenaise first and then the mashed avocado on top of each slice.
- Top with a small pinch salt, a grind of black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice
15 Comments
Lovely idea – simple, but effective. A good excuse to make some more vegan mayo ^^
Thank-you so much Shonalika for taking a minute to leave a comment .. I truly appreciate it.
I sure would be interested if you had a homemade version of vegan mayo to share.
Ali
Sorry for delayed reply, that didn’t come through to my email for some reason! I use the third of these recipes here, the one with silken tofu: http://www.treehugger.com/easy-vegetarian-recipes/3-recipes-homemade-vegan-mayonnaise.html
It really is delicious and indistinguishable from egg mayo (which shouldn’t be that surprising I guess, as the egg/oil ratio in regular mayo is heavy in the oil’s favour xD)
Avocado is delicious as a spread if you prepare it the following way: peel 2 avocados. Chop them very small, put them in a large bowl.Add 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped, 1/4 chopped onion, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix everything with a spoon until you get a uniform spreading. It’s delicios on toasted garlic bread 🙂
Thank-you so much Beatrice .. You can bet we’ll be trying this combination!
Ali
What a lovely recipe! I love toast so much because they’re so crispy and avocado is pretty healthy, so I liked it a lot! I can’t wait either for tomato!
BS, xx
Overly thought out! You just won my stomach!
I was just wandering what to eat for dinner… I’m a vegetarian, I love toasts and I DO love avocado and I always have it in my fridge! Well, I’m sure they’ll be great but not as beautiful as yours… I’m quite clumsy in the kitchen 😛
I have never tried vegan mayo but this avo toast looks divine. It is so colourful, mind you I think mine wont look as good as yours but I bet it would taste fab with your recipe x
It feels amazing when you finally welcome that warm sunny first day of Spring! I love how everything seems to come to life when Spring starts. This avocado on toast is a winner. I am very curious about that vegan mayo!
wow this is lovely. the pics are so tempting, definitely attempt for this recipe is a must, thanks for sharing, have always wondered how to improvise with avacado. Vegan mayo! all in all this post is so yummy thanks for sharing and cheers
Sometimes the simplest of Breakfast can be the best breakfast! I love my above sprinkled with dried ? to give it a little kick
that cute pic made me chuckle a little. I heart avocado. avocados just seem to make anything better!
Oh yes please, avocado all day everyday, haha! Avo-toast is a staple at our house. This one looks so delicious, yum!
xx, Kusum
Se manifique! You know i’ve been trying to live a healthier lifestyle especially making healthier food choices and this couldnt have come at a better time. i love it. Cant wait to try this recipe for lunch