Pangrattato - Serves 6 to 8

Pangrattato is a word meaning poor man's bread crumbs. Its old bread blitzed and flavored to add something special to your meals. I always have a massive tub of this in my cupboard, but it doesn't last long. Great for pasta toppings or for crumbing meat. 

Ingredients:
4 Pieces stale bread
2 Garlic cloves, crushed
2 Bacon slices, Cooked till crispy
4 Sprigs Thyme, leaves picked of stalks
Salt
Olive Oil

Method:

Place bread and bacon into a food processor and blitz until breadcrumbs. Bring a large frying pan to hot. Add breadcrumbs, garlic, thyme, a large pinch of salt and a large glug of olive oil (enough to lightly coat the crumbs). Cook stirring regularly until crumbs are golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store in a sealed container. 

Notes: Can be used as a topping for pasta, seafood and a coating for meats.