The pretty bunches of radishes at the Farmer’s Market last weekend were so vibrant and fresh-looking, I just had to buy them. And then I discovered this fabulous French idea for a simple sandwich that calls for them, tried it, and was totally hooked. When I gave it to my son for his after-school snack, he loved it, too! We agreed that these sandwiches would make a pretty offering for a celebration.

Good bread is the base for this pretty open-faced treat (I used a whole wheat boule from our local bakery, but slices of baguette will work just fine), spread with a secret ingredient and topped with those tender-crisp radishes and a sprinkle of salt–a popular lunch in the sunny town of Marseilles–or anywhere else in France, for that matter, bursting with garden freshness and flavor. So easy and so good!

INGREDIENTS

For each serving:

1 slice good-quality bread
Hummus (try the Black Bean Hummus!) Chickpeas are a favorite food, especially in the south of France. Hummus makes a nice, low-fat, creamy alternative to butter in this sandwich.
1 radish, thinly sliced
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Spread each slice of bread thickly with hummus. Place the radish slices decoratively on top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve.