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ON THE SIDE: Garlic Toasts

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Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 400 degrees. Spread two 12-inch baguettes, sliced ½ inch thick on bias, on 2 rimmed baking sheets and bake until dry and crisp, about 10 minutes, rotating sheets and flipping toasts halfway through baking. While warm, rub one side of each toast briefly with peeled garlic clove. Drizzle toasts lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. (Makes 40 toasts.)