Toasted, plated and now the moment of truth. What’s your schmear? Butter is fine, but a bagel is naked without a spreadable topping. You have some classic bases— cream cheese, of course, peanut butter, Nutella, whitefish, hummus. But the plethora of options to mix with your base is only limited by your imagination. Cream cheese with chives or veggies is a solid go-to. Fresh chopped basil, lox and tomato? Lemon dill with garlic? Hummus and olives? Chop some berries for a sweet fruity mix-in with Nutella. How about Kimchi for some spicy zest? Go seasonal with a pumpkin spice. OK, OK… maybe that’s a step too far…

06.25.23