i have plans for you (recipe: crispy garlic bread)

Do you remember that super scrumptious baked manicotti with meat sauce I posted a few months back?  If you don't, I urge you to go take a peek at the recipe.  And then after that, write your grocery list accordingly.  And after you purchase all of the ingredients for baked manicotti invite some friends over for dinner Italiano.  And on the day of your dinner party prepare and bake the dish according to the instructions provided.  Remember to make this crispy garlic bread.  Maybe make sauteed broccoli rabe w/ sliced garlic and crushed red pepper.  Pour some wine.  Enjoy the creamy filling of the pasta and the absolute, divine, robust, flavor of the homemade meat sauce; enjoy the crunch of the bread.  Enjoy the wine.  Enjoy being amongst friends.

Crispy Garlic Bread
makes 12 slices

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
4 garlic cloves, grated or minced
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 (1-inch) slices Italian bread

1. Make Paste:  Adjust oven rack to middle position, place rimmed  baking sheet on rack, and heat oven to 425 degrees F.  Using fork , beat butter, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until combined.  Spread butter mixture evenly over both sides of bread.
2. Toast Bread:  Arrange buttered bread on heated baking sheet and bake until golden brown on first side, 8-10 minutes.  Flip and bake until golden brown on second side, about 5 minutes.  Serve.