Garlic Crostini

I purchased a box of 'garlic chips' the other day. I arrived home only to discover my four dollar box of bread slices were all broken. It was then that I decided I'd simply make my own...less expensive with better flavour. Crostini are multi-use flavoured and baked thin bread slices. I've used them to float cheese in onion soup, broken into giant croutons for salads, and my favourite...as a base for flavourful spreads and appetizers. Don't discount their use plain, as a crunchy snack either. Garlic Crostini With Cream Cheese, Cranberries and Onions is an easy and tasty spread that goes well with these. I recommend using day old baguettes to make slicing easier.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 10
• Yields: 30 slices

Ingredients

• Garlic Oil

• 1⁄4 cup olive oil, I use a mix of regular and light olive oils
• 1  teaspoon garlic, minced

• Crostini

• 1  baguette, sliced 1/4-inch - 1/2-inch thick
•  kosher salt, sprinkling (optional)
•  fresh ground black pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Mix olive oil and minced garlic in a heat-proof measuring cup. Microwave at half power for 30 seconds. Set aside.
2. Note: depending on the size of your baguette, you may have to double the garlic oil ingredients.
3. Preheat oven to 375*. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Slice the baguette, on the diagonal, into 1/4" to 1/2" thick slices.
5. Using a pastry brush lightly wipe both sides of the bread slices with garlic oil. Arrange on the baking sheet.
6. Sprinkle (one side only), lightly with kosher salt and black pepper (if using).
7. Bake for 10 minutes. Turn slices over and continue to bake for another 5 - 10 minutes or until golden in colour and crispy. The baking time will depend on the thickness of the slices and the amount of garlic oil used.
8. Remove from the baking sheet and let cool in a single layer on a cooling rack.
9. You can use these immediately, or allow to cool completely for storage in an airtight container.