Living in the land of the original $4 toast, it’s easy to become jaded about the countless open-faced sandwiches now infiltrating menus across the country. In fact, looking back at this story now, $4 seems like a remarkable bargain. It’s not uncommon to see a single slice of crusty bread command $6, $7, or even as much as $12 dollars if topped with half an avocado and paired with a frilly salad. Strange but true, the toast trend appears to be here to stay, and is only inflating alongside the inscrutable local economy.
Friends, it’s time to take toast back. I don’t mean that we should all be making Instagram-worthy edible artworks on thickly sliced, grainy artisan loaves, but that we should be able to take some average sandwich bread, throw it in a toaster, and spread something delicious on it. Is that so much to ask? I think that a lot gets lost in translation when it comes to the endless array of topping options, at least when ordering toast at a restaurant. When it arrives at the table with over an inch of spreads, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, it’s a wholly delicious creation, but don’t call it toast; you’ve gone well beyond those boundaries and into the terrain of tartines.
Getting back to home toast, all that really matters is starting out with decent bread and slathering on a quality topping. Pick out a sweet option and you could be looking at breakfast, snack, or dessert; talk about getting a real bang for your buck. Nocciolata Dairy Free will instantly cure even the most severe chocolate craving. A flawless dupe for the beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread known as Nutella, it’s sticky yet silky smooth, and honestly sweet enough to pass for frosting. It feels outrageously indulgent to pass for a morning meal, and yet somehow easy enough to rationalize as a healthy choice, thanks to all those wholesome hazelnuts packed into each jar. Don’t question that logic; just slather it on thick, and if anything, top only with a pinch of coarse salt for maximum enjoyment.
Plain nut butters naturally make for a more neutral base, but that doesn’t mean they should lack flavor. Vivapura’s raw pecan butter is a shining example of a superlative spread, positively radiating nutty aroma upon opening the jar. It’s hard to believe that something so luscious could be just so simple, containing only nuts and salt. Almond butter may be having a moment, but pecans have all that richness, and then some.
Many have decried the toast trend, pointing out blatant price gouging as if that wasn’t the case for every other dish on offer, but that’s not my MO. I just think we should start taking toast back; back into our own kitchens, and back to its more humble roots.
Love love love this stuff! They sent me a bottle, I used it on my recent ice cream pie and last weekend I added it to warm zucchini bread which was so great. I’ll be blogging about it next week ;)
Oh now that sounds fantastic! I’m definitely looking forward to that post. :)
Toast has always been one of my favourite foods and whilst I’ve been known to smush some avocado on there and top it with salt and pepper my go tos are always simple – earth balance, cream cheese, or PB. PB & J if I’m feeling super fancy!
I love toast, but I’d never spend $4 for any. Your home version sounds delicious, though.
janet
Haha what a great call to action! It really boggles the mind how much restaurants charge nowadays. Problem is, they’re not making much of a profit either!
nice and simple! keep up the great work!!
I used to think $6 or $7 was a lot to pay for an entire bread, let alone a single slice, but what do I know. Times have changed, obviously. I think you have the right idea. Toast your own slice and spread with the most delicious thing you can find. Peanut butter included!
It’s been ages since I’ve had simple toast and spread and the pecan butter sounds amazing for a treat, thanks!
I couldn’t agree more. My favorite toast is sourdough with mashed avocado, lime juice and salt. So simple, but so delicious!