Toast for Every Mood

BY VICKY GU
PHOTO & ART DIRECTION ASSIST: CAROLYN HÅKANSSON
NOVEMBER 7, 2018

When in doubt, edible things atop bread generally stands as reliable culinary direction for a good meal. But beyond butter on toast—what curation of edible things actually yield tastiness? How do you strike the right balance of sweet, salt, bitter, sour and umami? How can you throw together all the disparate items of frig and pantry? No need to overthink—just look in your feelings.

Tangy, Sweet, Savory

Tahini or other seed butter
Citrus
Dried fruit
Dried flowers

Eat while watching a rom com, or painting by the waterfront, or when you have a surplus of hardened tahini and need to finish it up. 

Fluffy, Fatty, Crunchy

Ricotta, cream cheese, mascarpone, etc (for the love of dairy, anything not reduced fat)
Avocado
Shaved cukes
Seeds
Cilantro, parsley, scallions, etc

Eat if you're feeling like a mean green machine, or if you want something pillowy yet dense, or if you have not yet discovered the underrated miracle that is ricotta on bread.

Nutty, Creamy, Bitter

Nut butter (peanut, pistachio, etc)
Banana
Cacao nibs
A finishing touch, like flaky sea salt or poppy seeds

Eat to heal heartbreak, to feel fancy while eating a PB + banana, or if you're just feeling bananas.