Garlic Baguette

Baguette, commonly known as French sticks, are delicious in their own right.  They also make perfect garlic bread, and it doesn't matter if they are a little stale to begin with.  Wrapped in foil with a generous application of garlic butter and a few minutes in the oven transforms them into satisfying morsels which go wonderfully well with a steaming bowl of tomato soup, amongst all things.  With tomatoes being not in season and selling for an exorbitant price at the moment in Perth, the tin variety is perfectly fine too.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• half a baguette, about 30cm / 12" in length
• 60g / 2oz butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled & finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 
• sea salt, to taste
• a dash of freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

1. In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic and parsley.  Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Cut baguette into 2.5cm / 1" thick slices three quarters of the way through
3. Spread garlic butter mixture on cut sides of bread slices and on top of the bread roll.
4. Wrap bread roll in foil.
5. Bake in a preheated 200°C/400°F oven for 12-15 minutes or until the butter is melted and the bread is crisp.