Croutons

one baguette, sliced 1/2" thick crosswise (into rounds)
some olive oil (or combination of oils)
salt and pepper
spicing: garlic powder (not garlic salt!) or dried herbs that
 compliment your soup or salad.

Preheat oven to 400F.

In a large bowl, combine the bread slices with the oil.  Sprinkle with
salt and pepper and spices of your choice.  (You may have to work in
batches, oil and spice half and then bake, then do the second half.)

Spread on a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake for about 6
minutes before flipping.  They need only a few minutes on the reverse
side.

Croutons should be crispy but still give a little.  Your time will
vary, just watch them closely.

Sprinkle into soups just before serving on top of salads.

Stored in an airtight plastic bag, they'll keep for about a week.