How to make your own crumbs from bread or cookies

Supermarkets offer a variety of crumb products. But if you want the freshest, make your own.

Fresh bread crumbs: Remove crusts from bread slices that are a day or two old; French or Italian breads with good body are preferred. Tear up the slices and drop them into a food processor or blender. Pulse gently. For fine crumbs, sift them through a strainer. For coarser crumbs, rub torn-up pieces of bread between your fingers.

Dry bread crumbs: Take those fresh bread crumbs and spread them on a rimmed baking sheet. Dry them for 15 minutes in a slow oven, 250 degrees.

Cookie crumbs: Pulse cookies in a food processor, or place in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. To make a 9-inch crust, combine 1 cup crumbs and 2 to 3 tablespoons melted butter, plus about 1 tablespoon sugar. Press into a baking pan. Bake 6 to 8 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool and fill with a pudding, mousse, cheesecake mixture or ice cream.