The Melaniff Family Cookbook

Croutons

recipe from Lisa Wainwright

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

2 T unsalted butter, melted

2 T extra-virgin olive oil

1 8 to 10 oz loaf rustic Italian bread, crusts removed, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

2 t kosher salt

1/4 t ground cayenne pepper

1/2 t freshly ground black pepper

Procedure

Heat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, combine butter and olive oil.

Add the bread cubes, and toss until coated. Add salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper; toss until evenly coated.

Spread the bread in a single layer on an 11-by-17-inch baking sheet.

Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Remove from oven, and set aside until needed.