Garlic Bread, Three Ways - extra-virgin olive oil

Method

• Combine the olive oil and garlic in a small bowl, and steep about 30 minutes, to let the flavors mingle.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Split the bread in half lengthwise, then cut in half crosswise, to make four pieces.
• Set the pieces, cut side up, on a baking sheet, and brush the bread with the flavored oil, rubbing with the garlic cloves and leaving them on top.
• Sprinkle with the dried oregano.
• Bake until the bread is golden and crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes.
• Remove any large garlic pieces, and lightly season the bread with salt before serving.
• (Pane Strofinato con Formaggio): Substitute 1/4 cup grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano for the oregano.
• (Pane Strofinato con Pomodoro): Cut some ripe tomatoes crosswise in half.
• While the baked bread is still hot, rub cut surfaces of the bread with the tomato halves, until the bread has absorbed the tomato juices and the tomato pulp has rubbed onto the bread.
• Season lightly with salt, drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil on top, and serve immediately.