Recipe: Italian Herb Mix for Garlic Breads, Bruschetta or Pasta (makes 1 cup)

HERB MIX FOR ITALIAN BREADS OR PASTA

1/4 cup dried garlic granules
1/4 cup dried minced garlic
1/4 cup dried basil
1/4 cup dried parsley flakes
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)

Combine ingredients and mix well. Label and store in glass jar with airtight lid away from heat and light.

TO USE:
Mix 2 tablespoons herb mixture into 1/2 pound softened butter or margarine or 1/2 cup olive oil. Use on garlic bread, garlic pizza, and sauteed vegetables served over angel hair pasta.

FOR ITALIAN GARLIC BREAD:
Combine 2 tablespoons herb mixture with 1/2 pound butter or margarine. Cut a loaf of Italian bread in half lengthwise and brush with butter/ herb mixture. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Place on a baking sheet and broil 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned.

FOR BRUSCHETTA:
Combine 2 tablespoons herb mixture with 1/2 cup olive oil. Toast Italian bread slices. Brush with oil/herb mixture. Top each slice with 2 tablespoons chopped vegetables (such as tomatoes, spinach, onion, fresh basil, and zucchini). Sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese. Place slices on a baking sheet and broil 3 to 5 minutes until bubbling and browned.

FOR VEGGIE PASTA:
Combine 2 tablespoons herb mixture with 1/2 cup olive oil. Pare and slice a selection of fresh vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and spinach). Saute vegetables in olive oil/herb mixture. Cook angel hair pasta; toss with vegetables and top with grated Romano cheese. This makes a wonderful light supper.

Makes approximately 1 cup
Used by permission to Recipelink.com from Storey Publishing
Source: Herb Mixtures and Spicy Blends by by Deborah L. Balmuth (Editor)