The Alchemist's Inspired Avocado Slicer

As many of you may know a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to escape our cold, long winter and visit my sister and mom in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Besides taking long walks on the beach, hanging out by the pool, practicing yoga or reading a great book, vacation is a great time to explore new restaurants.

As a vegan, it can be difficult to travel but I find many restaurants are able to modify their existing dishes to suit my needs and was happy to find several restaurants in the Fort Lauderdale area that already had vegan options (as well as the completely vegan restaurant Sublime).

My favorite discovery on the trip was The Alchemist coffee shop and café. They serve siphon coffee and opened face sandwiches called slicers. Part of the fun was their enchanting atmosphere with a coffee roasting station in their courtyard, spirulina farm, outdoor seating among the trees, coy pond and wind-chimes. My sister and I liked it so much we went there twice during the five days of my trip! It inspired me to make a slicer when I returned home and here it is:

1. Lightly toast a slice of high quality bread such as the Organic Whole Grain Sourdough fromAnnarosa's Bakery in Salisbury, MA
2. Top with a layer of micro greens, salad greens or baby spinach
3. Top the greens layer with Avocado Mix (see below)
4. Enjoy topped with any veggies you like, I added some cherry tomato for a splash of color

Avocado Mix (for 2 slicers)

• 2 avocados, chopped
• zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons diced cilantro or parsley
• sea salt and pepper, to taste