There are many ways to make garlic bread and I certainly make it
different ways. But this way is by far my favorite. In Italy, to
celebrate the first olive oil of the season, they make this simple fettunta
- or "greased slice". It's simply grilled bread, rubbed with a garlic
clove, drizzled with the best olive oil you have, and then sprinkled
with coarse sea salt. You won't believe how great it is.
There is a very unique taste you get if you use a raw garlic clove on a slice of fresh bread. If you want, you can add a topping to make bruschetta, but this is my favorite way to make garlic bread to accompany dinner. Many times I buy a whole grain or multi grain loaf to make this with and it's delicious.
As always, with simple recipes with few ingredients you need to use the best ingredients you can - a good, fruity extra virgin olive oil and some outstanding sea salt. This grilled bread is a must to accompany dishes that have a nice broth or sauce to sop up, like a cioppino or a ragu sauce.
If you are looking for the perfect Mardis Gras inspiration, Creamy Shrimp Creole Soup with Bacon-Cornmeal Dumplings could not be a more perfect choice to round out your celebration.
My oldest son saw this in a magazine and instantly
proclaimed he wanted it for dinner. I was rather surprised as most
kids, including my own, don't like food that is touching or mixed up.
In other words, casseroles are usually out.
When we first moved to Southern California, we thought we were in pretty good shape; turns out that “pretty good shape” is a relative phrase. Even the guy bagging our groceries knows his body fat percentage. In fact, the popular gym chain, 24 Hour Fitness (yes, they are open 24 hours a day), originated here. That pretty much says it all.
Every Mardi Gras, I have been wanting to make a King Cake for the kids. I just never seem to have the extra time. So when I came across an easy idea to make this happen, I went for it.