Dipping Oil

If you have ever been to Carrabba's, then you have experienced that magical concoction of spice and oil that you dip bread into. My husband and I love that stuff so much. I honestly could make a meal out of it. I shouldn't, but I really could.  Because we liked it so much, I tried to come up with something that tasted just like it, but that we could enjoy at home. First, I went blindly to my spice cabinet and grabbed any spice that seemed Italian. I added oil and dipped the bread, and it was mediocre at best. Then, I scoured the internet. I found hundreds of recipes for this. One of them caught my eye so we tried it that night. It still wasn't perfect so the next time, I left out the rosemary and it was PeRfEcTiOn! It has become one of our favorite things. It is a good addition to anything Italian as well as other meals. I have served it with steak and grilled chicken.  

Here is my variation of the recipe. 

salt

pepper

red pepper (definitely adds some spice, so use a small amount if you are not feeling adventurous)

dried basil

dried parsley

dried oregano

garlic powder

fresh garlic (or jarlic, as I call it when I am too lazy to cut garlic and use the pre-minced garlic in a jar)

(I remember this recipe by saying salt, pepper, pepper, 3 green, 2 garlic)

Use equal parts of all these herbs and spices. For me and the husband, I usually do a 1/2 teaspoon of each. I double it if we have company. I also usually put a little extra of the fresh garlic in it. We love garlic in this house. Anyway, I mix the dry ingredients together with my measuring spoon, then add the fresh garlic and mix again. Then when it is time to eat, I will either divide it into small dipping bowls or leave it in the shallow bowl that I mixed it in and add the olive oil. I serve it with toasted french bread. Use any olive oil that you like, soon you will find a favorite. Our favorite is from World Market. It is fairly inexpensive, but has a rich taste. 

This is so yummy! Now I think I may want to have it for lunch:-)