Happy September and short work week! I just returned from a euphoric weekend in Chicago, where my closest friends and I dined constantly and downed one too many dirty martinis amidst endless catch-up conversations. Get ready, because Chicago will soon be joining the Critiques page.
I'm yearning for a taste of simplicity to balance my non-stop calendar, and I truly believe this no-stress side does the trick. Crostini is obviously adorable and makes for ideal presentation, but there's something liberating about tearing a fresh baguette into imperfect shapes of garlicky goodness. That's right. I claim that ripping bread relieves stress. Try it yourself.
1 baguette, torn into 2-inch pieces 3 cloves garlic 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened Salt, to taste Red pepper flakes, to taste 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a food processor, puree garlic. Add butter and pulse until smooth.
2. Transfer butter to a large bowl and add baguette. Coat pieces with butter and then pour onto a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, shaking pan halfway through cook time, until crust is golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove from oven and transfer bread to a serving piece. Sprinkle with salt, red pepper and parsley. Serve warm.
