This simple recipe for star croutons from author and illustrator Susan Branch makes a festive holiday hostess gift.
Star croutons on the stove.
Photo Credit : Nat ReaOne of the fastest and most appreciated hostess gifts now comes in a festive shape! Homemade star croutons are a welcome addition to any gathering and look beautiful in a glass jar topped with a pretty ribbon.
See Yankee‘s 2013 holiday home feature Susan Branch | At Home with the Queen of Cozy
Very thin sandwich bread (Susan used Pepperidge Farm Very Thin Bread)
1-inch star cookie cutter
2 parts butter to 1 part olive oil
2 or 3 minced (or pressed) garlic cloves
Glass jar
Festive ribbon
Carefully cut out star shapes from the bread with the cookie cutter. Melt the butter with the oil and garlic. Fry stars until brown (both sides), being very careful so that they keep their shape. Remove from the pan and let cool. Package in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon.