Green Garlic Toast

from Melissa Clark at the New York Times

Slices of crusty bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/cup grated parmesan
2 1/2 tablespoons chopped young green garlic, white and green parts
1 tablespoon minced chives (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, more to taste
large pinch red chile flakes
1 regular garlic clove, halved

Heat the broiler.  Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and broil them, flipping them halfway through the cooking, so that they are golden brown on both sides.  Keep them warm.  In a bowl, stir together the butter, cheese, green garlic, chives, pepper, salt and chile.  Rub the toast with the cut side of the regular garlic clove, then spread with the green garlic butter.  Broil the toast again for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, until the tops are lightly brown and the butter melts.  Serve hot or warm.  This makes a great snack, or a good accompaniment to a hearty salad.  Instead of putting the garlic butter on toast, you could also toss it with rice or pasta.