This fruity twist on bruschetta will be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike and is so easy to throw together

This apple toast recipe is one of our favorite dishes to rustle up for classic summer gatherings and impromptu garden parties. The creamy ricotta pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart apple compote, and the crispy sage adds a delightfully fragrant crunch.

We like to serve all the elements on a large board so everyone can build their own, and enjoy them with a glass of crisp white wine.

It's the kind of unfussy, communal food that makes summer gatherings so enjoyable. Add to your picnic menu as a sophisticated swap for sandwiches.

Ingredients

• Serve 4-6
• 1 loaf sourdough
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• Olive oil, to drizzle
• 3 apples
• 1 red chilli, finely sliced, or 1 tsp dried chilli flakes
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 3.5 oz butter
• Leaves of 1 small bunch sage
• 7 oz ricotta

The Homes & Gardens method

1. Preheat a large griddle pan until smoking hot. Cut the bread into 1in slices and char the slices on both sides. While hot, rub the raw garlic over one side of each slice, then drizzle with a little olive oil and set aside.
2. To make the compote, roughly chop the apples (removing cores and seeds) and put in a frying pan with the chilli, maple syrup, lemon juice and zest and ½ cup water. Cook over a medium heat until the apple is cooked through and starting to break down; this should take about 15 minutes but keep an eye on it as all apples are different.
3. Melt the butter in a small pan over a medium heat until sizzling. Add the sage leaves and fry for about 30 seconds until crispy, then remove onto kitchen paper. Pour the remaining butter from the pan into a small bowl.
4. Put the ricotta in a small bowl and serve with the rest of the ingredients on a large board. To build the toasts, spread a little ricotta over each slice, then top with the warm apple compote, a few crispy sage leaves and a drizzle of melted butter.

Whether you're preparing this dish for a garden party or a picnic, selecting the right serveware can truly elevate the meal. Instead of traditional tableware, consider using an elegant cutting board to present the components, allowing guests to assemble their own toasts. If you're wondering what to bring to a picnic, this Wayfair range of Martha Stewart cutting boards includes some of our favorites.