Dinner-party designer Kara Dykert has been the creative force behind some of the most memorable events we’ve ever attended, and we’re particularly fond of the food she serves—it’s always clean and accessible yet also inventive and (of course) delicious. In a stroke of genius, she’s currently crowdfunding the publication of a book simply called Toast: Finding Freedom in Messy Eating , which will include 62 creative toast recipes that fall into three categories: Sunrise, Savory and Sweet. Get a little taste below (pun obviously intended) with three recipes that’ll put your avocado toast addiction to shame.
Sunrise: Berry, Almond, Rosemary & Whipped Cream Cheese
Yield: 1 slice
Ingredients: 1 large slice of good bread 2 Tbsp whipped cream cheese 6 raspberries 2 large strawberries, sliced 8 blueberries 1 Tbsp pomegranate seeds 1 Tbsp honey-roasted almonds 1 sprig rosemary Honey, to drizzle (optional)
Directions: Toast the bread. When golden, spread toast with cream cheese. Next, top it with the berries and pomegranate. Sprinkle with almonds. Then sprinkle with sprigs of rosemary. For a little extra sweet, drizzle with honey.
Savory: Spiced Garbanzo, Whipped Feta, Parsley & Tahini
Yield: 2 slices
Ingredients: ½ cup garbanzo beans 1 Tbsp herbs de Provence ½ Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp tahini 2 tsp warm water ½ tsp sea salt 2 large slices of good bread 3 Tbsp whipped feta 2 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley Salt and pepper
Directions: In a small saucepan, add garbanzo beans, herbs de Provence, a dash of salt and olive oil. Cook over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat. Next, in a small bowl, whisk tahini, warm water and sea salt. Set aside. Toast slices of bread. When golden, spread each toast evenly with feta. Top each toast with half the herbed garbanzo beans. Finish by topping with fresh parsley and an even drizzle of tahini. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Sweet: Nutella, Caramelized Banana & Yogurt Glaze
Yield: 2 slices
Ingredients: 1 banana, sliced 1 Tbsp butter 1 Tbsp Greek yogurt ½ Tbsp honey 1 tsp milk (optional) 2 slices good sandwich bread 2 Tbsp Nutella
Directions: In a small sauté pan, add banana slices and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring lightly. Continue to sauté until slices are golden and caramelized on each side. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt and honey. Add milk to thin the glaze if desired, then set aside. Toast the bread. Spread each toast with Nutella. Spoon caramelized bananas onto each toast. Drizzle each toast with yogurt glaze.
