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Hot Leek & Basil Bread

Source of Recipe

American Favorites


List of Ingredients

1 loaf french bread (3" diameter,
20" long)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 cups cleaned, chopped leeks (whites only)
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves


Recipe

Slice bread on diagonal at 1" intervals, almost but not quite all the way thru the loaf. Heat 4 tbl. butter and 4 tbl. oil together in a medium, heavy saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted; stir to mix well. Generously brush mixture over top and sides of loaf and between each slice.

Heat remaining 1 tbl. butter and 1 tbl. oil in skillet over medium heat until hot. Add leeks and cook, stirring constantly, until leeks are softened, about 4 minutes. Add dried basil and cook for 1 minute more. Remove and season with salt and generous pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir to mix. Place loaf on baking sheet lined with foil. Spread leek mixture between each slice. When ready to bake, arrange rack at center position and preheat oven to 350ºF. Bake uncovered until warm and crispy, 5-8 minutes.