SWEETLY SPICED | CINNAMON-SUGAR & GARAM MASALA CANDY-COATED CROUTONS

I would like to start by admitting this is definitely not a health-food post. I would like to follow that disclaimer up with a, “but oh man, will it knock your socks off.” Not only is it THE EASIEST dessert of all time but definitely one of THE MOST DELICIOUS. I thought it would be a good one to post before Valentine’s Day because who doesn’t want a little something sweet to end the meal AND if you haven’t thought of anything to make yet, this will definitely be the easiest as well as most impressive.

I came up with this recipe when I was helping a good friend (and fellow cook) cater a charity event in Beverly Hills and our bread pudding plans had fallen through. We worked with what we had on site and dare I say this turned out even better than the bread pudding ever could have??

Tip: I usually serve a few croutons warm over ice cream and then leave out a bowl with more for snacking, dipping, etc.

Serves 4-6

You will need:
3 Large store-bought Croissants (cut or torn into bite sized pieces)
1 stick of unsalted butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbs Cinnamon
1 Tsp Garam Masala (store bought spice mix or homemade… my homemade version has not been recorded for measurements yet so I will suggest buying it! It is an Indian spice you can find in just about every store these days in the spice aisle)
A Pinch of salt

Any flavor of store bought ice cream you like! (or home made if you’re feeling ambitious and have the time!) I like to stick with the simple Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, or Chocolate so the croutons can really shine. I do not suggest a soft gelato as the warm croutons will melt it too fast.

Preheat your oven to 400F

In a sauce pan combine butter, sugar, cinnamon, garam masala, and salt. Cook over low heat until butter is melted and sugar has dissolved.

Distribute your croissant pieces on a large sheet tray and pour butter mixture over. Toss to coat all of the pieces evenly.

Spread croissants out evenly and bake at 400F for 7-10 minutes tossing every few minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. If some of the pieces still feel like they haven’t toasted or crisped up, do not worry they will as they cool.

Scoop cold ice cream into bowls. Top with a few warm croutons and serve along side extra croutons! Boom.