Healthy Homemade Breadcrumbs and Croutons

Start with any good 100% whole wheat bread.

Soft Bread Crumbs:

Tear bread into quarters. Place a few at a time in a blender container; cover and blend till coarsely chopped. Each slice makes about 3/4 cup crumbs.

Fine Dry Bread Crumbs:

Toast bread in a 300° oven until crisp and dry. Crush with a rolling pin or place in a blender container; cover and blend until finely crushed. Each slice makes about 1/4 cup crumbs.

Croutons:

Brush bread slices lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with your choice of flavorings (garlic powder, oregeno, basil, or any crushed dried herbs). Place bread slices in a 300° oven for a few minutes to lightly toast, cut into 1/2 inch cubes.

Spread cubes in a shallow baking pan and bake at 300° for 20 to 25 minutes or until cubes are dry; stir every 5 - 8 minutes.