This lesson is 466 words, a 1 min 51 sec reading time. It is the first lesson of Lunch 2.0.  📍 Introduction:  Avocado toast is a practical yet decadent open-faced sandwich. It's healthy, suitable for many meals (e.g., breakfast, lunch, snack), and lightning-fast to prepare (5-10 min). Moreover, it's economical (~$2/serving) and can repurpose leftover, over-ripe avocados.  Vegetarians, kids, and picky eaters alike love to make this toast and dress it up to their fancy. Go ahead and get creative! 🎨 🧂 Ingredients:  Bread   Avocado Toppings (see reference guide below)  ✅ Instructions:  How to slice an avocado:  Slice avocado lengthwise & around with a large knife. Use a cutting board.  Twist avocado halves in opposite directions to separate & expose the pit. Hold a towel or potholder in your non-dominant hand & place the avocado inside. (Optional) Whack the pit with your knife to lodge it in. Twist the pit free & remove (with thumb or against trash bin). Slice into ½ inch slices (protect your hand again or switch to a butter knife). Scoop out slices with a large spoon.  How to Slice an Avocado [YouTube link] Making avocado toast:  Toast bread. Add a base layer of flavor. (Optional) Slice avocado & spread across toast. Add toppings. (Optional) 📝 Notes Tips & Tricks On avocados:  A large avocado can make ~ four pieces of toast; a small one makes ~two.  Avocados ripen after they have been harvested, not on the tree.   To accelerate ripening, place avocados in a paper bag with an apple or banana at room temp for 2-3 days. (The fruit releases gasses which speeds up ripening). To halt ripening, place avocados in the fridge. Do this after ripening to extend shelf life.  To save half for later, keep the pit in & wrap with plastic wrap. To minimize oxygen contact, press the wrap right up against the flesh. Use within a day or two. If the surface turns brown, it should still taste fine. You can cut away brown spots. For extra protection against browning, brush with some olive oil or lemon juice. If the avocado is mushy when squeezed, moldy inside, or has a rancid/sour smell, throw it away.   "Avocado hand" is an injury that occurs when someone tries to remove the pit dangerously and ends up cutting themselves. Be careful!  If the avocado is too ripe for slicing, make a flavored mash. You can flavor it with your favorite seasonings (see reference guide below)  On making the toast:  When considering toppings, add variety in terms of flavor, color, & texture. Thin toast must be crispy enough to hold toppings. Thick toast can support heavier toppings. Toaster-oven hack: drizzle with olive oil & rub with garlic before heating for extra flavor. A ready-made seed mix (e.g., everything bagel mix, custom blend) can add a crunchy, salty, nuttiness. Learn how to make one here. 📓 Reference Guide: *Save to camera roll for future reference. 🎓 Further Study Danger! 'Avocado hand' is on the rise [The Guardian] 13 Avocado Toast Recipes Park Tavern’s Avocado Toast (Recipe) 👩‍🍳 Guest chef for this lesson: April Word —————————————————— 📚 Want more Life School? Check out the Table of Contents or Collections. 🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or Overcast. ✏️ Got feedback? Did we miss something? Fill out this form or add a comment below. This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at www.trylifeschool.com/subscribe