Happy Labor Day! If you're freaking out because you're going to a party today and don't have anything to take, I'm here to help! This crab dip is fresh, bright, and super easy. Tasty food doesn't have to be hard; it just has to be fun! Don't think your kitchen is fun? Pretend. You'll hurt her feelings otherwise.

Crab and Avocado Dip with Toasty Toasts

• one "package" of crab or imitation crab meat (I totally used imitation... no worries)
• one avocado
• one tomato
• one grapefruit (I know, right?)
• a few pours of a mild oil (canola, grapeseed)
• a good pinch of sugar
• salt and pepper
• one baguette and a little olive oil

Here's how this works. Cut up the crab (or fake crab) and throw it in a bowl. Scoop out the avocado, mush it up a little, and throw it in the bowl. Cut up the tomato and... get the idea?

Now comes the crazy part. Well, it was crazy to me. Adding grapefruit to this mix? So strange to think about, but it is sooo good. You really need something to cut through the richness of the crab and avocado, and the grapefruit is shockingly perfect. Two things: cut up a little of the actual grapefruit (minus the ribs and peel and white gunk) to throw in the bowl, and use the juice to make a simple vinaigrette.

I love it when I get to play with a whisk. Squeeze the juice into a bowl, add your seasonings (sugar, salt, and pepper), and use that lovely whisk to slowly mix in the oil. You don't need a super heavy dressing; this is supposed to be light and fresh, so go easy on the oil. Stir that delicious dressing into the crab, avocado, tomato, and grapefruit pieces, and you're done! Well, almost. See if it tastes good; you might need some extra salt to make everything pop.

You'll probably want something to put the dip on. Or dip into. Or however you like your dip to work. You can totally get crackers or those little premade oily bread slices from the store. BUT if you have ten minutes, making your own toasty toasts is so worth it. They taste better, look better, and are definitely cheaper. Case in point? One baguette=less than two bucks. One box of crackers or weird bread slices=almost certainly three. So here's how you make them. Cut the baguette into slices. Brush the slices with regular olive oil. Not necessary, but they sure do get pretty and golden that way. Put the slices on a baking rack on top of a cookie sheet; that way the entire slice gets toasty and not just the top. Bake for about 7-9 minutes at 425 degrees or so until they're beautiful and golden. Done! 

Have a great Labor Day! I love holidays. They always include food and people you like. Seriously, pretty much the perfect day.