Toasty!

When I started this blog, it was an attempt to get everyone back in the kitchen and enjoying the buying of ingredients, preparing and eating delicious, healthy food, even if it is (just) for one.  However, even I, who could spend all day cooking, have been stopped by this hot weather!  I don’t even want to eat that much, never mind bake, so these recipes are little snackettes to keep you going – and using that great staple, bread. There are so many different types out there – crusty white, bloomers, wholemeal, granary, sourdough, wheatmeal – the list is endless – so choose your favourite and make yourself some toast, add some fresh tomatoes and sweet onions on the side and have a go at some of these toppers.  There is no end to the flavour combinations . . . . .

Sticky Goat’s Cheese and Fig – in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soft goat’s cheese, 1 tablespoon soured cream (if you haven’t got any, you can put a small teaspoon of lemon juice into some cream and leave to stand for a minute) and a pinch of dried/fresh thyme with plenty of black pepper. Spread over a hot slice of toast and top with a quartered fig, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of walnuts.

Roasted Balsamic Tomatoes and Ricotta   Preheat oven to 200oC.  In a small tin, roast 75grams (3 oz) cherry tomatoes on the vine with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt and pepper for 10 minutes till soft.  Spread 2 tablespoon ricotta cheese over a hot slice of toast and top with warm tomatoes, a few basil leaves (optional) and black pepper.  Drizzle over the cooking juices from tin.

Fruity Beetroot (or Hummus), Avocado and Feta Spread a hot slice of toast with 2 tablespoon of beetroot dip or hummus, top with 1/2 slice avocado and 25 grams (1oz) crumbled feta, and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and olive oil.

Use your loaf and let your creativity run wild – let me know what you come up with and I can share it here!