Seasoned Croutons

You can purchase packaged croutons in most grocery stores these days, but why would you? Homemade croutons are far superior in both taste and texture and are very simple to make.

I reserve the oil from my Oven Roasted Garlic to make these croutons, but feel free to experiment with other flavoured oils as suits your fancy. The cayenne can be supplemented with or substituted by other spices to create the flavour combination which will best compliment the dish with which you will be serving your croutons.

Ingredients:

• day old bread
  
• flavoured extra virgin olive oil
  
• cayenne pepper powder
  
• additional powdered herbs & spices to taste

Directions:

Chop bread into 3/4 inch cubes.
Sprinkle herbs & spices over bread.
Toss with olive oil.
Spread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Heat under grill until lightly toasted, flipping halfway through to toast all sides.

Croutons can be served warm, straight from the grill, or cooled to room temperature. They're wonderful in soups or as a salad topper!