Welcome back to an ingredient we’re beginning to recognize with dependable frequency – TBHQ.  Yes, the ingredient that preserves food products by way of lighter fluid is back in the “mix”ed greens.  This time it joins us in the form of a crunchy tidbit our children rely on to top a salad…the crouton.  Croutons are by definition (according to dictionary.com), “A small piece of fried or toasted bread, sometimes seasoned, used as a garnish for soups, salads, and other dishes.”  Bread, oil and seasoning.  That’s it.  Simple right?  Not always.

This weeks comparison is between Mrs. Cubbison’s Classic Seasoned Croutons and Out of the Box Food Garlic Baked Croutons.    Interestingly enough, Mrs. Cubbinson’s croutons contain TBHQ, Partially Hydrogenated oil, High Fructose Corn Syrup and a plethora of other unrecognizable ingredients.  Our recipe utilizes a leftover baguette, some fresh garlic, flavorful olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.  That’s it.  Not only is it easy and fresh, but it does something we always like to do…use up leftovers!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE COMPARISON: Mrs. Cubbison’s Classic Seasoned Restaurant Style Croutons vs. Out of the Box Food Garlic Baked Croutons

(All ingredients followed by an * can be referenced at www.wikipedia.org by clicking on the ingredient)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mrs. Cubbison’s Classic Seasoned Restaurant Style Croutons

Ingredients:

• wheat flour
• water
• partially hydrogenated* soybean oil with TBHQ* for freshness
• high fructose corn syrup*
• salt

Contains 2% or less of:

• yeast
• barley malt
• whey
• Romano cheese
  • Romano cheese
    • pasteurized milk
    • cheese cultures
    • salt
    • enzymes
  • buttermilk
  • soybean oil
  • whey
  • disodium phosphate*
  • citric acid*
• spices
• cultured whey
• natural flavors*
• garlic
• maltodextrin*
• Parmesan cheese
  • buttermilk
  • Parmesan cheese
    • partially skim milk
    • cheese cultures
    • salt
    • enzymes
  • soybean oil
  • disodium phosphate*
  • citric acid
  • salt
• disodium inosinate* and guanylate*
• extracts of annatto and tumeric (color)
• soy flour
• soy lecithin*

**All listed product ingredients are taken from product’s package label.  Though Out of the Box Food makes every effort to provide complete ingredient information, please check the package for the most current information.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Out of the Box Food^SM Garlic Baked Croutons

Special Equipment: baking sheet, parchment, small bowl, large bowl, serrated knife

Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette (fresh or stale)
• 1/4 C extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• sea salt and pepper to taste

Direction:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare baking sheet by lining with parchment paper.
• Cut baguette into cubes
• In small bowl, whisk together olive oil and minced garlic
• Put bread cubes in large mixing bowl.  Drizzle garlic oil over the bread cubes and toss to coat.
• Pour bread cubes onto prepared baking sheet.
• Place in preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes (tossing occasionally).
• Cool.  Serve or store in an airtight container until ready to use.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Last week we talked about creating family recipe contests to help get our kids interested in eating fresh food.  Try making this week’s recipe theme “Salad” and maybe these croutons can be put to use for a little crunch. Until next week…