patrícia furtado

Garlic & Honey is, for me, the ultimate sweet and savoury combination, garlic being, in my opinion, the most savoury of all ingredients and honey the symbol of sweetness itself. I have used this combination in other dishes, like roast chicken or pork ribs, always to great results.

When I came up with this garlic bread with a twist, I had a small finger food photoshoot planned (followed by a visit from the neighbours to test it all, of course). However, I lost my will to photograph when the deep fried mozzarella balls didn’t turn out as cute as I had expected — they simply exploded in the oil and looked horribly gooey and greasy.

Shoot cancelled, we still ate the whole lot, and I specially loved the bread cubes, which I decided to keep on standby until I had another chance.

When Mansi left a comment inviting me to participate in the Monthly Mingle dedicated to Vegetarian Appetizers & Hors’Doeuvres, the breadcubes instantly popped into my mind, and finally saw the light of day.

They’re pretty easy to make, but more suitable for small parties, as they are better if eaten straight out of the oven.

Garlic & honey bread cubes.

3 garlic cloves
1/2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp olive oil
A sprinkle of dry herbs to taste (oregano or rosemary are great)
About 15 3cm cubes of bread. I used a rustic loaf from Mafra, which isn’t too soft.

Mash the garlic to a pulp - a garlic press is the best way, but thinly minced will do as well.

In a big bowl, mix the garlic and the honey very well, and then add the olive oil. Toss the bread pieces with the mix, untill they are thoroughly coated and lay them on a baking dish.

Pop into a pre-heated 240ºC oven, tossing now and then to make sure they brown on all sides, and remove when they’re all crisp and golden.

Stick them on cocktail or kebab sticks and serve them on a platter (or in a glass).