Preheat oven at 400F.
Slice loaf into 1 1/4 inch thick slices by slicing 3/4 way down through the loaf but leaving the bottom quarter unsliced to keep the loaf intact. Place loaf on a sheet of aluminum foil (shiny side in). Set aside.
In a food processor, process butter, garlic and parsley until light. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Spread butter onto both sides of the bread slices; press the slices back together and wrap tightly in the foil. Place loaf on oven rack directly and bake for 10 minutes; peel back foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until bread begins to brown and crisp along edges. Place bread on a warm serving dish; sprinkle top lightly with coarse sea salt and paprika.
Variation: Add 1 tablespoon minced Italian herbs to butter; sprinkle top of loaf lightly with lemon pepper before serving.
Submitted by: CM
