Spring Smashed Peas on Toast

Ingredients:

1 cup Frozen or freshly shelled peas, blanched

2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice

4 tablespoons Olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and Pepper

4–6 slices Speck or Prosciutto

Rustic loaf or baguette

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Add blanched peas to a wide mixing bowl. Smash peas with the back of a mug or potato masher. Add lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and stir to combined. Taste, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Set pea mixture aside.

Cut the rustic bread or baguette into thick slices then brush each side with olive oil. Place slices on a baking sheet, and transfer to the preheated oven. After 3 to 5 minutes, turn each piece of bread over to brown the other side. Place slices of speck or prosciutto, in individual small piles, onto the same baking sheet. Return sheet to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the toast and meats are browned and crisp.

To assemble the toasts, spread the pea mixture on one side of each toast slice, then top with the crispy speck or prosciutto. Serve as a first course, an appetizer, or light lunch. Enjoy!