Date: 08-29-2009
Classic American Garlic Bread
Serves 6-8
9-10 medium garlic cloves (about the size of a plump cashew nut), skins left on
6T unsalted butter, softened
2 T grated Parmesan cheese
½ t salt
1 whole loaf high-quality Italian bread (about 1 pound, football-shaped), halved lengthwise
1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 500.
Meanwhile, toast garlic cloves in small skillet over medium heat,
shaking pan occasionally, until fragrant and color of cloves deepens
slightly, about 8 minutes. When cool enough to handle, skin and
mince cloves (you should have about 3T). Using dinner fork, mash
garlic, butter, cheese, and salt in small bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Spread cut sides of loaf evenly with garlic butter mixture; season to taste
with pepper. Transfer loaf halves, buttered side up, onto baking sheet; bake,
reversing position of baking sheet in oven from front to back halfway through
baking time, until surface of bread is golden brown and toasted, 8-10 minutes.
Cut each half into 2" slices, serve immediately.