Homemade Croutons

Homemade croutons are such a luxury.  They're deceptively easy, and so versatile--use them in soups, salads, or as a snack, and your ingredients will depend on you.  At their simplest, the base is olive oil, salt, and pepper but I have added parmesan, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, and rather than a baguette I've used pumpernickle, which is really good for caesar salad--

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(WHAT YOU WILL NEED)

1 crusty baguette, cut or torn into bite-size pieces

your favorite olive oil

salt/pepper

optional:  garlic powder, chopped fresh parsley (I use both)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Place bread cubes in a large bowl.  Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with seasonings, and toss to coat.

Place on cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown.

When done, remove from oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over while still hot.