Croutons

Great for salads or soups

Ingredients

100g/3 ½ oz bread (any type can be used)

2 tbsp vegetable oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Serves 4

Method

1.Preheat the oven to 150C/300F.

2.Put the oil and seasoning into a large bowl.

3.Slice the bread (if not already sliced) and cut it into bite-sized squares. Transfer to the mixing bowl and toss with your hands so that all the bread is coated with a little oil. Spread the bread out on a baking tray.

4.Bake the croutons for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven, stir and bake for a further 15 minutes until crisp and golden. Serve immediately or allow to cool and dry out before storing in an airtight box.

Tip: To add extra flavour add a crushed garlic clove, or a tablespoon of very finely chopped fresh herbs to the oil before mixing with the bread.