Norman’s Garlic Bread

Norman’s Garlic Bread

I make a lot of pasta for my housemates these days. Unfortunately, as warm as it is, I haven't been baking bread much. What I have done a few times was use up bread (or brat buns) that are getting a little old by making garlic bread out of them. It prevents waste and goes well with pasta.

Often during my Wednesday night dinner days, I would want something a little different to serve with my spaghetti dinners than just fresh, homemade bread. I would often have a loaf of day-old homemade bread available, and when I did, I’d make a big batch of this garlic bread for everyone to have with their pasta. I always do whatever I can to encourage overeating.

This is so simple that it is silly to even write it down. I love garlic bread so much and it kills me to see someone heating up garlic bread bought at the store. That just isn’t the same. With it’s olive oily garlic bite, this will have you smacking your lips for the rest of the day!

Several slices of homemade bread

(or a good hearth-baked bread 

from an Italian bakery)

Several cloves of garlic, peeled

Your best extra virgin olive oil

Cajun seasoning

Fresh grated parmesan cheese

Preparation

Now the best way to do this is over a charcoal grill. Lay the slices of bread on the grate over the coals and turn them over as they get toasted. If, however, you didn’t need the grill for the rest of the meal, just use the broiler. Same thing, put them on a cookie sheet and turn them over as they toast.

Allow the toasted bread to cool enough to handle. Take a garlic clove and rub the garlic vigorously over the entire surface of one side of the bread and place it on a cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining pieces. Now douse the garlicky bread with your best olive oil. Be generous, it’s good for you!

Sprinkle each piece with a little cajun seasoning and lots of fresh grated parmesan cheese. Serve the garlic bread immediately, or place it in a warm oven until dinner is served.

Serving

This garlic bread is extra good with a rack of lamb that is served along side spaghetti. With the addition of a garlicky Caesar salad, a bowl of soup and a bottle of Pitite Sirah, you’ll have a great meal. 

If you are worried about your breath after eating several slices of this garlic bread, I am told that the Italians often eat an expresso coffee bean to cut the garlic from their breath. I’ve tried it, but I’m not sure how well it works. You see, no one has volunteered to kiss me afterwards, so I just don’t know for sure.