Homemade Croutons

I love finding little recipes that use things (like bread) that I might end up throwing away. I also love when those little recipes taste amazing! I don't know if you all know this but croutons are far from healthy (this recipe included). Yes there might be little things you could do to make it more healthy like use olive oil istead of butter, but if you want really yummy croutons butter is the way to go!

Homemade Croutons
1 loaf french bread cubed (about 8 cups cubed bread chunks
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic minced*

In a microwave safe bowl combine butter, italian seasoning, salt, and garlic. Heat in microwave for 30-60 seconds until butter is melted and bubbling slightly. Set aside. In a large bowl place cubed bread chunks. French bread works great, but really any type of bread will work just fine. Slowly drizzle butter mixture over bread stirring while you pour. Try and evenly coat each piece of bread with the butter mixture. Pour bread onto a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake at 300 for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy. Croutons can be eaten immediately or stored in an air tight container or zip lock bag for a few weeks.

*You can use 1 tsp garlic powder instead of the cloves of garlic if you prefer.

Deliciousness Salad

I love salads that combine fruit and vegetables! I love the sweet taste combined with a good vinaigrette dressing. I have my favorite strawberry salad already posted on this blog (which is to die for) but really has a lot of sugar. This salad is a delicious combination of a traditional salad with a slight hint of sweetness obtained from the fruit.  The first time we had this salad my husband was the instigator on getting the recipe. He loved it! I have been making this salad ever since.

Deliciousness Salad

1 head romaine lettuce
1 bag spinach
10 sliced up strawberries
2 cans mandarin oranges
Croutons
Sunflower seeds
Shredded cheddar cheese
Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing
  - any vinaigrette would work. That's just the one we really like.

Directions
Cut or tear romaine lettuce into desired size. Rinse both your romaine lettuce and spinach. Combine romaine lettuce and spinach in a large salad bowl. Top with sliced strawberries, mandarin oranges, croutons, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheese. Right before serving add dressing and toss to combine.

Thanks Sarah for the great Recipe!