Charred-Bread Powder

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 200°.
2. 2
   Heat a dry medium ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Toast 2 dried chiles de arbol or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and 4 ounces torn stale crusty country-style bread, stirring occasionally, until bread is charred in spots, 6-8 minutes.
3. 3
   Transfer pan to oven and bake until bread is dry and crisp, 1-1 1/2 hours.
4. 4
   Working in batches, grind chiles and bread in a spice mill to a fine powder.