Avocados are one of my favorite foods and I could literally eat them at every meal. They're not only delicious, but they also have a ton of health benefits too. I think they’re great in salads, on a burger, in an omelet or in a sandwich.

I've always loved to smear avocado on toast, which is a healthier alternative to butter, but until recently, my little trick never had a name. The chefs now call this creation "avocado toast" and it has gone mainstream. Whether you prepare the avocado toast plain or with added toppings, it will taste delicious especially if you're an avocado fan like me. I’ve seen it on breakfast and lunch menus all over LA and each chef has their own version. Le Pain Quotidien, Rose Cafe in Venice, CA and Groundworks in Santa Monica are all a sure bet. Even the brand new vegan restaurant on the 3rd floor of the Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills store has avocado toast on their menu.

Thankfully, avocado toast is very easy to make and oh so yummy. I mean....you have bread, yum. You have toast, yum and you have avocado, yum. How can you beat that? Below are a few suggestions and tips to help make your creation the absolute best. 

The quality of the bread you choose is really important because it's the foundation of your avocado toast. I suggest you buy a crusty bread like a hearty multi-grain, farmer's market sourdough or a french baguette. If you can get this cut thick at a bakery - even better.

I’ve learned that after toasting the bread, it's super tasty if you rub a peeled garlic clove over the top. All it needs is 2 gentle swipes and a sprinkle of salt on top. Next, get your avocado, cut it in half and remove the pit.

Here's a Tip: I’ve found the best way to remove the pit is by sticking the point of a sharp knife inside the pit. Make sure it's in there securely and then pull the pit out using the knife that is still stuck inside it. You’ll find that the pit will come out of a ripe avocado easily. Lastly, I use a spoon to scoop out all of the avocado and start smashing it in a bowl or on a plate.

Avocado Toast

Here is a recap of the steps to making delicious avocado toast:

• Toast the thick bread

• Rub a peeled garlic clove on it. (just a few gentle swipes - don't overdo it) *This is optional if you're not a garlic lover

• Drizzle olive oil on the bread

• Sprinkle some salt on top

• Smash (Mash) the avocado

• Sprinkle a little salt on the avocado

• Add anything else you’d like (see below)

• Drizzle the top with a little more olive oil

• Be creative and try other combinations - this is your toast!

Here are some of my favorite twists and toppings:

• A little bit of fresh lemon juice and cracked pepper.

• A fried or poached egg.

• Sliced tomatoes or cucumber.

• A sprinkle of red pepper flakes, sesame seeds.  

• Smoked salmon and purple onions.

At your next brunch party, you might want to think about having an avocado toast bar, kind of like a salad bar where you can add different toppings on it. If you like avocados as much as I do, you’re gonna get hooked just like me.

Smooch! xx Barbara 

Follow @LemonadeToLace on Instagram to see this and more of Barbara's favorite things. Use #L2L to show off your avocado toast creations!