Instructions: Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/gas 2. Remove the outermost papery leaves of the garlic cloves. Slice off the tops of the cloves and pierce each clove with a sharp knife so that the steam can be released.

Set the garlic cloves in a small baking dish, drizzle a little olive oil over them and dot with butter if liked. Sprinkle with the herbs, cover the dish and bake for about 30 minutes.

Remove the lid and bake for a further 30 minutes or so, basting occasionally with olive oil, until the husks are golden brown.

Spread the soft baked cloves on to slices of French bread or ciabatta.

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