Bear Bread

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread, sliced lengthwise

1 head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled (no chopping!)

1 stick butter

Pinch of red pepper flakes (or black pepper)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or other hard cheese)

2 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs –basil, tarragon, oregano, parsley (Dried herbs could be substituted – use what you have!)

¼ tsp salt

Directions

Melt butter in a small saucepan over very low heat.

Add garlic cloves and cover the pan.

Cook stirring occasionally for about 20 to 30 minutes until cloves barely start to brown and are very soft. Cool 10 minutes.

While garlic cooks, preheat broiler.

Mash butter and garlic with red pepper flakes, cheese, herbs, and salt.

Place bread on a baking sheet cut side down and broil for a minute.

Remove bread from oven, turn over and spread garlic mixture on the cut side of the bread.

Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy!

*We served this with a tomato sauce we made from canned tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, wine, and a pinch of sugar, slow cooked until most liquid evaporated. Delicious!