Homemade Croutons

Or should we call them the name they truly deserve, "homemade crunches of joy?" For me nothing makes a salad more "real" than "real homemade croutons." Not the stuff that was packaged in a box 2 years ago and still sits on your pantry shelf. Oh, no, no, I am talking about real homemade croutons!

The make a salad go from merely a salad, to an absolute explosion of goodness in your mouth. The best part of course, not only are they ridiculously easy and a fabulous way to use stale bread, but you can season them to your exact liking. Get crazy, after all we are talking about "homemade crunches of joy."

Homemade Croutons

Stale Bread (Whatever is left over), Cubed into 1 inch pieces, let them sit out uncovered overnight

Seasonings (Whatever you like, I like Thyme, Oregano, Garlic, Salt, Pepper)

Olive Oil (enough to lightly coat but not drench the bread cubes)

Balsamic Vinegar (a splash for pizazz!)

In a large plastic airtight bag places bread cubes and spices. Add enough olive oil to lightly coat but not drench the bread cubes. Shake well.

Bake at 200 degrees for 40-60 minutes. If you like them more toasted increase the oven temperature.