The Barefoot Contessas Parmesan Croutons Recipes

BAREFOOT CONTESSA'S PARMESAN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Pound the chicken breasts until they are 1/4 inch thick--you can use either a meat mallet or a rolling pin.
• Combine the flour, salt, and pepper on a dinner plate.
• In a bowl (big enough to dip the chicken), break the 2 eggs and whisk them together.
• On a second plate, combine the bread crumbs and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• Coat the chicken breasts on both sides with the flour mixture, then dip both sides into the egg mixture and dredge both sides in the bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saute pan and cook 2 or 3 chicken breasts on medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
• Add more butter and oil and cook the rest of the chicken breasts.
• Serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA'S PARMESAN CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Slice baguette diagonally into 1/4 inch thick slices. Depending on the size of the baguette, you should get about 20 to 25 slices.
• Lay the slices in one layer on a baking sheet and brush each with olive oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. You can use either plain or flavored olive oil such as basil or garlic. The measurements for the salt and pepper in the ingredients are just estimates and you use whatever amount suits you. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they are browned and crisp. Serve at room temperature.

CROUTONS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large (10-inch) saute pan until hot. Add the bread and cook over medium heat, tossing frequently, until the bread is evenly toasted and browned. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

PARMESAN CRISPS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
• Grate 2 ounces of the Parmesan using the side of the box grater that finely grinds the cheese and then grate 2 ounces of the Parmesan using the side of the box grater that makes long shreds of cheese, and then mix them together. Drop rounded tablespoons of the grated Parmesan on the parchment paper to make neat mounds. Bake in the oven for 6 minutes until golden.
• Cool slightly and loosen with a metal spatula. Serve at room temperature.