Hi friends far and wide,
Fourth of July might not mean anything special to folks outside the U.S., but it is a universal Brokie holiday, IMO! So, I'd like to share special recipes. These can also be foods that are good to savor in midsummer, which will be relevant for Brokies...in the northern hemisphere, at least!
Here's my recipe for Easy Garlic Croutons. Use up all your ends, crust, and overflow bread this way. Assemble, slice and toast bread to desired toastiness. While it is still warm, rub both sides with a cut garlic clove. Butter lightly (do not use butter substitutes) and cut into bite-sized cubes. Store in an airtight bag or container.
Variations: after rubbing with the garlic clove, cube bread and toss with a tablespoon of good olive oil mixed with crushed/ground herbs, such as parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sumac, salt and/or pepper. Or, toss with a small amount of the oil from a jar of anchovies (for real authenticity)!
A Caesar salad is typically made with Romaine lettuce and croutons. I add scallions and green vegetables such as zucchini and sweet green peppers, but never tomatoes.