Home made croutons

I've been asked for this recipe today. It's easy and can't compare to "store-bought"! They're sooo addicting, they may never make it into your salad.

1 loaf ciabatta bread cut into 1" dice 1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil
1 Tbls butter
Dried basil to taste
Pinch of crushed red pepper
Garlic powder to taste
Pinch salt

Heat oil and all the other ingredients over low heat. Add bread dice and quickly toss to cover completely. Continue tossing until bread just starts to toast and absorbs all of the oil mixture. Turn heat off and let cool and crisp up. The key is take of flame BEFORE they toast too much or they will burn. Ciao Bella!