How to make Croutons

I got the idea to make croutons while watching the Food Network channel the other day. I didn't write down the instructions, but it looked so easy I had to try it! The results? Delicious.

What you need:

• A loaf (or partial loaf) of crusty bread - something hearty, not too soft, that will hold up to being chopped up into squares. I used Trader Joe's whole wheat sourdough bread. You can also use an unsliced loaf, or a loaf of bread that is on the verge of "turning."
  
• Olive oil
  
• Salt
  
• Pepper (freshly cracked is best)
  
• Italian seasoning (optional)
  

The process:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
   
2. Slice your bread into 1/2 inch slices (if not already sliced). Remove crusts from bread, if desired, and cut the remaining bread into 1/2 to 3/4 inch squares.
   
3. Arrange the bread cubes on a shallow baking sheet, somewhat evenly distributed.
   
4. Drizzle bread cubes generously with olive oil (at least a few Tablespoons).
   
5. Toss bread cubes by hand to coat with oil. Arrange bread cubes evenly across baking sheet.
   
6. Sprinkle bread cubes lightly with salt, then pepper and Italian seasoning. Use enough spices so that you can see the pepper and seasoning on all of the bread. 
   
7. Place pan into preheated oven. Check after 8 minutes, and toss with a spatula. Continue to bake in 3 minute increments until desired "crunchiness" is attained. Mine took approximately 14 minutes.
   
8. Store in a jar or sealed plastic bag. Use on salads or other recipes.
   

Enjoy!