2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic

1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 (15- by 3 1/2-inch) loaf Italian bread

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mince and mash garlic to a paste with a rounded 1/4 teaspoon salt using a heavy knife. Stir together butter, oil, and garlic paste in a bowl until smooth, then stir in parsley.

Without cutting completely through bottom, cut bread diagonally into 1-inch-thick slices with a serrated knife, then spread garlic butter between slices.

Wrap loaf in foil and bake in middle of oven 15 minutes. Open foil and bake 5 minutes more.