A New Kind of Breakfast

How have I never eaten avocado toast before? How have I never even seen this dish before two weeks ago? It is an absolute tragedy that avocado toast has not been in my life until now. It's so easy, so rich and decadent, yet so healthy and full of protein. I know it may seem melodramatic, it is just toast after all, but seriously, it is so good. This isn't a complicated recipe, its barely even a recipe for that matter. You toast a slice of bread, smear on half an avocado, top with fresh ground pepper and sea salt, drizzle on some good olive oil, and call it breakfast.

When the avocado softens and melts from the heat of the bread, almost mimicking butter, you will think you have gone to breakfast heaven. Make that a bacon-y breakfast heaven. The addition of paper thin layers of prosciutto take this toast to the next level. Plus, the fact that prosciutto is so thin and lean also means not feeling guilty about adding a bacon-like component to your meal (not that you need to feel guilty when it comes to bacon, EVER).

This may not be a fancy breakfast, but it is fast, filling, and satisfying. This is exactly what I needed to jump start this week. The past few months have been absolutely crazy as I have mentioned, and I am in the middle of gearing up for a bridal shower this weekend (making desserts for 60 people) and a wedding next weekend (making my very first wedding cake....wish me luck on that one). I haven't had much time to cook lately, so this meal fits perfectly into my hectic schedule.

It's hard to believe that something this simple can be so amazing, but if you like avocado, please please try this. It might just blow your mind.

Avocado Toast with Crisped Prosciutto

serves 1

1 large slice of thick cut rye bread (or any bread you fancy)

1 half avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed (save the other half for about 10 minutes after you finish eating this, cause you'll want to make another slice, to which I say: go for it)

4 thin slices of prosciutto

olive oil

salt and pepper

fresh lemon juice (optional)

In a small non-stick skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the slices of prosciutto and cook until just crisped. Set aside.

Toast your bread, and with a fork smash the avocado onto the toast. Drizzle toast with a small amount of olive oil and lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, and lay slices of prosciutto on top.

I have a million ideas for riffs on this toast. Eggs, cheese, tomatoes, spices, fresh herbs, all would make great additions. Just be sure to keep the avocado front and center, it's called avocado toast for a reason.