Garlic bread

MAKES 12 SLICES

1 loaf basic Italian bread

1 cup fruity olive oil

8 tablespoons chopped garlic (about 16 large cloves)

Cut bread on a slight diagonal into 12 slices that are each about 1 inch thick; ideally, the slices should be about 3 inches long and 1-1/2 inches wide. Place slices on a baking pan. Break the surface of each slice with the tip of a spoon in a few spots.

Drizzle 2 teaspoons of the olive oil over each slice. Top each slice with a heaping 1/2 tablespoon of the garlic. Drizzle 2 teaspoons more of the olive oil evenly over each slice. Let bread rest, covered, for 1 to 2 hours.

When ready to cook, preheat oven to 425 degrees. When oven is hot, place baking pan in oven, uncovered. Let bread heat until it is warmed through and crunchy around the edges, about 7 to 8 minutes. If you like the bread to be browned on top, pass it for a moment under a hot broiler. Serve immediately.

Nutrition facts per serving: 246 calories, 19 g fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 16 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 175 mg sodium, 1 g fiber