Stale Bread

Whenever I buy French or Italian bread, it always seems to go stale and get hard before we use it up. Here are a couple of ideas for using bread when this happens.


This is the simplest (and tastiest) French Toast recipe I've yet to find.

Cinnamon French Toast
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
a shake of ground cinnamon
sliced bread; I've found stale French bread to be best
butter
desired toppings and syrups
confectioners' sugar

Heat an electric skillet to 300 degrees.
Whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla and cinnamon.
Pour into a shallow bowl.
Melt 1 Tbsp. butter in skillet.
Dip bread in this batter on both sides until it is soaked through.
Place bread in hot pan and cook until brown. (about 10-15 minutes)
Turn over and cook other side. (another 10 minutes)
Serve with desired syrup and toppings.
Sprinkle on confectioners' sugar.


Croutons
stale bread
cooking oil
desired seasonings

Take whatever hard bread you have and tear into small pieces. (Any hard bread can be used; I like Italian best) Lightly coat with any kind of cooking oil. (Canola, olive...) Sprinkle on desired seasonings. I usually use seasoned salt and garlic powder. Combine well. Spread onto cookie sheets. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring once. The possibilities are endless. Maybe some grated parmesan cheese or a flavored oil?...