Smashed Peas on Toast

This is a great way to celebrate delicious fresh peas from your garden or from the farmers market. No you can't use frozen ones. That would totally miss the point. These are a delicious snack or appetizer for when company comes or if your like me, Just because! If you have a mortar and pestle, that would be the best way to make this but a food processor works in a pinch.

GET yourself some fresh peas in the pod and shell them (or get someone else to do it for you like I did!). You need about a half pound or so for 9 toasts. Add them to a food processor or mortar and pestle with a small handful of mint, a pinch of salt and a few tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese, Pulse or smash until you get a course paste, add olive oil until it smooths out and then add the juice from half a lemon (or more if you like).
DRIZZLE some slices of baguette or sourdough bread with olive oil and toast in the oven under the broiler or in a griddle pan until nicely browned.
CUT a clove of garlic in half and rub cut side all over the toasted bread.
TOP with the smashed peas and drizzle with more oilve oil and some more shredded Parmesan! Garnish with a little mint and if you have them, fresh pea shoots! Beautiful and delicious!

*This paste would also work well for a piece of grilled fish or mixed with cooked pasta*