It's true: Toast has magical powers. And right now, we're not even thinking about the way a crunchy piece of it soaks up a runny egg yolk, or how its heat melts a pat of butter to a heart-stopping marshmallow softness. Nope, I'm talking about how spreading delicious things on toast automatically makes them fancier.
And that makes toast your secret weapon if you're throwing a last-minute New Year's Eve gathering. Think about it. A platter of charcuterie or salumi is just so...flat. In fact, once the crowds descend on that lovingly prepared platter, it starts to look sad and picked over. And who wants to set down their drink in order to grab a piece of bread and place that slice of mortadella on top of it before you get to eat it?
Instead, set out a platter of delicious toasts, and the only thing your guests will leave behind are crumbs--and plenty of compliments. Think of toast as a canvas for any combination of delicious ingredients, from salumi and cheese to spreads and salads. As long as your choice of topping clings to the bread when you lift up a piece, it's fair game.
Rule #1: Start with good toast. Only logical, right? The best breads for toast tend to be relatively neutral-tasting, with a crunchy crust and a moist crumb (a fancy term for the texture of the bread s interior). A country-style loaf, sliced 1/4-inch thick or a bit thinner, works best. Pro tip: If you re slicing a large loaf, toast the giant slices first before cutting them into bite-size pieces. Much easier to handle that way.
Rule #2: Pair cheese with honey, chutney, and more. Whether you re spreading your toasts with a soft cheese like chèvre or gorgonzola, or topping it with a firmer cheese like cheddar or Parmigiano, cheese on toast is especially delicious when paired with other elements you d find on a cheese plate: Sliced fruit, chutney, truffle honey, or even a drizzle of that much-maligned (but still delicious) pesto. If you re using a firm cheese, spread something delicious on the toast before adding the cheese, and you ll score a bonus benefit the topping will stop your cheese from tumbling from the toast.
Rule #3: Rub your toast with garlic. If you re topping your toast with slabs of country pate, shavings of ham, or slices of roast beef (and why wouldn t you?), start by infusing your toast with garlic. These robust toppings stand up to garlic s intense aroma. When the toasts are fresh from the toaster, just rub one side lightly with a cut garlic clove.
Rule #4: Use your favorite dip as a spread. You know that delicious onion dip you make for parties? The tasty hummus you finally perfected? Or that amazingly simple but brilliant green pea spread you blitz in the blender? They re all fair game for toast.
Rule #5: Don't forget the garnish. A simple garnish not only makes your toasts look snazzy--it makes them more delicious in the bargain. Dust toasts with smoked paprika, top them with chopped herbs, sprinkle them with frizzled onions or douse them in fresh-cracked pepper. That way, your toasts will look as delicious as they taste at least until they disappear.
