Crisp Savory Toasts

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

2. 2

   Place the butter, red pepper flakes, garlic, and shallot in mortar and mash with the pestle into a smooth paste.

3. 3

   Slice the bread as thinly as possible, between 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch thick.

4. 4

   Place the slices on a baking sheet.

5. 5

   Thinly spread the garlic- butter mixture on one side of each slice and sprinkle lightly with Parmesan cheese.

6. 6

   Bake the toasts until the tops are lightly browned, 30 to 40 minutes.

7. 7

   The toasts should be dry but still a bit moist in the center.

8. 8

   The same method can be used with butter, sugar, and cinnamon to make Crisp Sweet Toasts, which would be ideal for afternoon tea, for breakfast, or as a simple dessert.

9. 9

   Start by using a sweeter bread, such as the Fig-Anise, Fruit-Nut, or Rye-Currant breads.

10. 10

    Follow the chilling and slicing directions for Crisp Savory Toasts.

11. 11

    For the topping, melt butter.

12. 12

    Then combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

13. 13

    Brush the slices with the melted butter and sprinkle the tops with the sugar-cinnamon mixture.

14. 14

    Bake according to the directions for Crisp Savory Toasts.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.