" How to Make Perfect Avocado Toast" by Simer D

      Growing up in a multicultural household with both of my parents being extraordinary
cooks, I’ve always wanted to learn to cook from both of them. Ever since I was little I have loved observing them cook and experiment with different palates even if that meant I would have to sit on the counter and peel garlic. As I’ve gotten older I have learned from watching them cook and from time to time I try to recreate their dishes while adding my own personal twist to them. Unfortunately, my culinary skills definitely need a lot of practice and refinement because many of the dishes I do try to make do not come out so great. However, there is one thing I do take pride in, and that is my avocado toast. My entire family loves this quick dish and it is perfect for our busy mornings. Many, if not all, of us have either tried avocado toast or have seen it posted on a foodie’s Instagram page before. While making avocado toast may seem self explanatory, I have had one too many avocado toasts that did not quite do themselves justice. Avocado toast is such a versatile dish to make and can be served as a snack or dressed up with toppings of your choice and be made a meal! Another great thing about making this recipe is that most of the things you will need are probably already in your kitchen, so trips to the grocery store are not needed. So, if you are in need of a quick, filling dish and have a few minutes to spare follow the 100% fool-proof recipe below!


What you will need:

• ●  2 slices of bread of your choice (I prefer using whole grain bread however any type of bread will work just as well)
  
• ●  1⁄2 of a ripe avocado
  
• ●  1⁄2 of a lemon or lime’s juice
  
• ●  1 tablespoon of olive oil
  
• ●  Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend (A key
  ingredient!)
  
• ●  Crushed red pepper flakes
  
• ●  Salt (optional)
  
• ●  A fork
  
• ●  A toaster or toaster oven
  
• ●  A small sturdy bowl 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Above photo: Ingredients needed that are listed, appliances are not included in photo
  

1. To begin with, you will need a toaster to toast your bread slices to your liking, I
personally prefer my toast on the crispier side.

2. While your bread is toasting, this is the perfect time to start preparing your avocado mixture. Start off by cutting and scooping out half of a ripe avocado from its shell and cutting it with a fork until slightly smooth but still textured, you do not want to over-mash your avocado or else the consistency will be too mushy for one's liking. Make sure the avocado is ripe enough or else you may find difficulty in mashing the avocado. (FYI: Keeping the seed of your avocado in a container with the leftover avocado will help keep it fresher longer)
   
3. Once your avocado is mashed you then add your wet ingredients starting off with adding a tablespoon of olive oil as well as half of a lime or lemon’s juice and mix well.
   
4. After all of the wet ingredients have been mixed in, your toast should almost be done so be ready for your toaster to go off any second now.
   
5. Once you have your toasted bread, spread the avocado mixture over the slice of toast and then proceed to top with the dry ingredients. There are no specific measurements to this, sprinkle as you please. In no particular order, sprinkle the Everything but the Bagel Seasoning generously (don’t be shy), as well as the crushed red pepper flakes to your liking (depending on how spicy you would like your toast to be) and although there is salt in the seasoning added if you prefer your food on the saltier side you may wish to add some salt to top it all off.
   
6. Add additional toppings of your choice and get as creative as you would like. Some easy and delicious ways to jazz up your plate are by adding: an overeasy egg, fresh sprouts, vegetables of your liking, or your favorite cheese! Don’t be afraid to experiment with combining different flavors. Remember, expanding your palate is always a good thing!
   

7. Repeat steps 1-7 for your second toast and enjoy! Here is the finished product: 

Whether you use this recipe to make avocado toast for the first time, add a twist on your own recipe, or have any tips I should know for future reference let me know!