We'll Toast to That

Avocado toast has been all the rage in recent years, but 2021 will see new toast trends pop up as well, everything from mushroom to sweet potato, and comfort options like the Hot Brown. Experiment with ingredients you might not always consider, such as grapes or brisket. Just about anything on a toast is tasty!

Blue Cheese & Pickled California Grape Jam Toast

Blue Cheese & Pickled CA Grape Jam Toast. Photo courtesy CA Table Grape Association

Developed by Chef Adam Moore. Yield: 4 servings Ingredients: Pickled California Black Grapes

1 cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup water

1 cup brown sugar

1 lb black California grapes, halved

Ingredients: Pickled California Grape Jam

1 cup pickled black California grapes

2 T fruit preserves

¼ lb unsalted butter, softened

¼ lb Rogue River blue cheese

½ cup hazelnuts, toasted, chopped

4 slices sourdough, toasted

Garnish

Fresh sliced California black grapes, edible flowers (optional)

Method Pickled Grapes

Bring vinegar, water and brown sugar to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Cool liquid and pour over grapes.

Marinate under refrigeration for 24 hours or use a vacuum sealer to pickle.

Method: Pickled Grape JamIn a food processor, combine pickled grapes and fruit preserves. Pulse until chunky, but not quite smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.To Serve

Spread butter and grape jam on the toasted sourdough bread.

Top with crumbled blue cheese, chopped hazelnuts, fresh grapes and edible flowers (optional). Serve immediately.

Winter Honey Lox Toast

Winter Honey Lox Toast, Photo courtesy National Honey Board

Recipe courtesy National Honey BoardIngredients

1/2 cup honey

1 French country loaf, sliced into 1-inch slices

10 oz. French brie, sliced into 12 slices

6 2 oz. slices of lox

1 small red onion, sliced

1/4 bunch parsley

2 T capers

4 T lemon juice

Olive oil

Salt to taste

Method

Preheat oven to 350℉.

Brush the slices of bread with the olive oil and toast in the oven for 8 minutes or until golden brown.

While bread is toasting, mix red onion, parsley, capers, lemon juice and olive oil in a small bowl, season with salt and set aside.

When the toast is done, let it cool for about 2 minutes.

Place 2 slices of brie on top of toast, followed by a 2-oz slice of lox and a tablespoon of the onion mix. Finish toast with a heavy drizzle of honey.