Crouton Dice With Blue Cheese Food

BRIOCHE CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Slice the bread about 3/4-inch thick. Cut off the crusts and then cut the slices in 3/4-inch dice. You should have 6 to 8 cups of croutons.
• Place the croutons on a sheet pan and toss them with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing once, until they're nicely browned on all sides. Cool to room temperature.

PUMPERNICKEL CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400F.
• Place bread cubes on baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and toss to combine.
• Spread in single layer and bake for 10 minutes or until crisp.
• Remove from oven and toss with cheese if desired.

CHEESE CROUTONS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat eggs. In another bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; gradually add to eggs. Spread evenly into a parchment paper-lined 9-in. square baking pan., Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan; cut into 1-in. cubes. Increase temperature to 450°. Place cubes on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes longer, turning once. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

CARAMELIZED ONION SOUP WITH BLUE CHEESE CROUTONS

Steps:

• In pot, melt butter over medium heat; add onions, thyme and 1/4 teaspoons each salt and pepper and sauté for 2 minutes or until starting to soften. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring often, for about 20 minutes or until onions are very soft. Uncover and cook, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes or until caramelized. Increase heat to medium-high; add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add sherry and bring to a boil, scraping up bits stuck to pot. Add beef stock and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and boil gently for about 10 minutes or until flavours are blended.
• CROUTONS:.
• Preheat broiler. On a baking sheet, lightly toast both sides of baguette slices. Spread one side with softened blue cheese.
• To serve, stir cream into hot soup and season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into ovenproof soup bowls . Float one crouton in each bowl and broil for about 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

CHEESE CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler.
• Cut the bread on the bias into 18 slices one-quarter inch thick. Arrange the slices flat on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler about four inches from the source of heat. Broil for 30 seconds, or until golden brown.
• Turn the slices over and brush with the olive oil. Sprinkle the center of each slice with the grated cheese. Return the slices to the broiler, and broil until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.