Cooking by Numbers: Garlic Cheesy Bread

My mom didn't cook much growing up. It's one of those things she developed later in life. Probably out of boredom like most people.

We did have a lot of "dinner parties", though; usually on holidays or when family came into town. She'd get a bunch of wine, lay out salami with cheese and crackers, and make this phenomenal cheesy garlic bread. I don't actually know how she made it. I can only guess from years of subconsciously watching her during mindless kitchen chit chat. But it tasted spot on. Considering that it's vegan now, I think that's pretty good.

I'm not going to lie to you either. It's pretty fatty. But, like I said, she made this for holidays and special occasions. And if it's just a little appetizer, it's not that bad.

Right now, we're staying at his parents place-- house sitting while they're in Italy. I didn't have my light box or tripod, so the pictures will be slightly less than excellent. But I think they get the job done.

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First, slice the the bread in half hot dog style. I got a whole grain mini loaf from Kroger. They're so little!

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.










Melt [[<--that much]] earth balance in a pan. It's about two large tablespoons. Add about 1/4 tsp garlic. Cook each half in the butter until slightly crispy. Only cook the cut side. About 2 minutes.









Grill each half in the earth balance, cut face down. Do not grill the back side. Remove after about 2 minutes when saturated and crispy.
















Get about 1/2 tsp minced garlic.














Add 1/4 cup vegenaise.












Add about a handful of shredded Follow Your Heart vegan mozzarella cheese. Mix together with some fresh black pepper.

Spread on the grilled bread [[cut side]]. Top with dried or fresh basil and bake for about 15 minutes.

Check on it at 8 minutes. It should be melty and sizzly and crispy [[like the picture at the top!]].