Garlic Soup

INGREDIENTS   

• 3 T. olive oil
• 8 cloves garlic, halved
• ½ loaf crusty French bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 t. salt
• ½ t. pepper
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 T. fresh oregano and basil
• 1 lime, cut into 6 wedges 

DIRECTIONS  

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. 
2. In a soup pot over low heat, warm the olive oil.  Add the garlic and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the oil is well flavored and the garlic is soft.
3. Remove from heat and discard the garlic cloves.
4. Place the bread cubes in a bowl and pour about half of the garlicky oil over them.  Toss well to coat and sprinkle with the salt and pepper and spread out on a baking sheet.  
5. Bake until golden brown and crisp 10-15 minutes.  Remove from oven and set aside.
6. Pour the stock into the soup pot holding the remaining oil.  Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
7. Gradually add the eggs to the stock while stirring in a circular motion.  Added the oregano and simmer until the eggs are set about 3 minutes longer.  Remove from heat.
8. Divide the croutons into bowls and ladle the soup over them.  Squeeze lime wedge in the bowl.

Recipe Author: Ariane Cleverly
Image: Lifes Ambrosia