Toast of the Week : Weekday Simplicity

Honestly Tuesday is not my favorite day to cook so today I kept it simple with Avocado Toast. Has Avocado Toast been overplayed? Possibly, so if you do make it, take the extra steps to make it amazing. No recipe required but below are a few best practices I have for Avocado Toast.

• Take your time making the actual toast! My favorite way to make toast is to put real butter or olive oil in a pan and then turn the oven burner on to Medium. Once butter is melted or oil is hot add your toast. As the pan slowly heats up it creates an amazing crust to the toast. If you want to get really fancy, carefully rub a garlic clove over the hot toast once it comes off the pan. Use a fork to hold the toast in place so you don't burn your fingers.

• Make sure your bacon is crispy.

• Fresh Red Onions or Shallots are a must for me.

• Season your avocado, a good quality salt, red pepper flakes, and Wightman Seasoning (if you have to ask you cannot afford it, I kid. However, if you can name this movie we will forever be friends.) A comparable suggestion would be a blend of Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Garlic Flakes, dried Thyme and a touch of Paprika.

The Wine : 2020 Duris Reserve Douro Origin: Portugal

I cannot take credit for this wine pick, that would be my friend Beth. She suggested it when we were at Sail Away Wine in North Kansas City. The wine is from Portugal, a region that is new to me but I will be exploring more wines from the area as this wine is packed with layered flavors. Few takeaways from my Wine Folly The Master Guide Book in regards to Portuguese wine from Douro Valley Region. The varietal is the Touriga Nacional grape.

Douro Valley Reds:

"The Douro is home to dozens of native varieties, including Touriga Franco, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and Tinta Cao. Today, dry "tinto" blends are on the rise. Wines have dense fruit and chocolate flavors supported by robust tannins."

Touriga Nacional:

"Considered to be one of Portugal's champion varieties, Touriga Nacional originated in the Douro Valley and can now be found throughout the country. Wines have mouth-coating intensity with distinct floral aromas of violets. Expect bold fruit, high tannins, and a long finish. Tasting Notes of : Blueberry, Red Plum, Violet, Graphite, and Vanilla"