Making Croûtons

Croûtons are a very traditional garnish for soups. To make your own, remove the crusts from slices of stale bread and cut the bread into even-sized cubes. Heat plenty of oil or fat – olive oil, duck or goose fat or garlic butter with some oil are specially good – in a large frying pan, then add the bread cubes in a single layer. Fry gently, tossing the cubes often, so they become crisp and even