Recipes.....PENZAMONIO

You know when you go into one of those faux Italian chain restaurants and they come to your table with these little plates and some bread. Then they grab a bottle of olive oil and pour it onto the bread plate. After that they sprinkle some garlic and maybe some black pepper into the oil. Then you're told to dip the bread in the oil, munch on it and chill while they get your order ready ?

You ask the waiter\tress what it is called and no matter how many herbs and spices they use, to them it is "Italian butter". It's their world so let them think it.

After you try this recipe you will always think you have better stuff at home.

Here is the real recipe best served with some fresh Italian or French bread. Dunk liberally.

Use the very best Extra Virgin Olive Oil you can find.

Mix the following:

1 tablespoon dried Oregano

1 tblspn dried Basil

1 tblspn dried Rosemary

1 tblspn red pepper flakes

1 tblspn coarse ground black pepper

1 tblspn dried parsley

1 tblspn garlic powder

1 tblspn dried minced garlic

1 tspn Kosher Salt

Mix it all up well then place it in the large holed shaker or small serving bowl with a top and spoon. Put it on your family table. Leave it there with the bottle of EVOO. You'll be glad you did.

Serve by sprinkling a couple of teaspoons onto your bread plate. Then cover it with enough EVOO to pool the plate.

Rip off a piece of that warm bread and get down! Yes, I said it. Get down! You're gonna love this stuff. Oh yeah, don't forget to wipe your chin. I think of it as European Corn Bread.