Herb Mix for Dipping Oil

Dipping bread in an excellent quality olive oil surpasses spreading butter on bread both in taste and healthfulness.  Mix a batch of these dried herbs, and store extras in your spice cabinet for a quick, colorful presentation of a fresh baked loaf of bread.  Serve the dipping oil on a rimmed plate for a communal presentation, or set the table with small individual dipping bowls at each place setting.

(Click here for a printable version).

1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sea salt (or 1/4 teaspoon table salt)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2  teaspoon fresh, coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

(1) Mix the dry herbs and spices in a small bowl.  Store in an airtight container until needed.
(2) Place a layer of your finest olive oil in a shallow rimmed plate, or individual dipping bowls.
(3) Sprinkle a small portion of the herb and spice mixture on top of the olive oil.
(4) Dip torn pieces of bread in the oil; (no double dipping!)