April 19th - Garlic Day

Most of us enjoy a little garlic from time to time, but did you know there is a way to eat garlic without tasting it all day. I have learned a few little secrets to ward off garlic breath. If your breath smells, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/8 cup water and stir together. Then hold your nose and drink the baking soda. It neutralizes the smell. You can also chew fresh Parsley, Basil, Thyme or Mint leaves to get rid of garlic breath. A more pleasant remedy is to eat grapes becaue they work well to cleanse your palate.

Garlic is a species in the onion family. It has been used for thousands of years as both food and medicine. Garlic is thought to cure the common cold, prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and thin the blood like aspirin. Garlic was used in World War I and World War II as an antiseptic to prevent gangrene. Because of its strong odor, garlic has earned the nickname “stinking rose.” It has been regarded as a force to ward off evil, most notably the vampire. Garlic has many uses and can be savory to eat, but be careful not to give garlic to your cat or dog because like onions, garlic can be toxic.

The best way to celebrate garlic is to eat it. While you chat with your family about the interesting facts of the “stinking rose,” cook up a garlic inspired feast.

Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons crushed garlic
1/4 cup olive
1/2 cup dry Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Warm the garlic and olive oil to blend the flavors.
3. In a separate dish, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dip the chicken breasts in the olive oil and garlic mixture, then into the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place in a shallow baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
5 pounds unpeeled red potatoes, quartered
13 ounces butter, room temperature
1 cup Italian cheese, grated
3 tbsps minced garlic
2 tsps salt
2 tsps dried oregano

Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 45 minutes; drain. Stir in butter, cheese, garlic, salt and oregano. Mash with a potato masher or with an electric mixer.

Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic

Ingredients:
8 roma tomatoes, halved and seeded
6 tsps minced garlic
4 tbsps olive oil
1/2 cup Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
1/4 chopped fresh basil leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Place the tomato halves side by side in a shallow baking dish. Spoon the garlic over the tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, until tomatoes have softened and are sizzling in the pan with the edges slightly charred. Serve while hot.

If your entire family enjoyed the garlic feast you won't have to worry so much about your garlic breath, but if it bothers you, remember the tips I gave you or try this interesting dessert. When I first heard about this recipe, I thought to myself, this doesn't sound very good, but when I tried it, I was pleasantly surprised. The juiciness of the grape and the sweet and salty combination of the chocolate and nuts are perfect together.

White Chocolate Grapes

Ingredients:
2 cups white chocolate chips
2 teaspoons shortening
1 pound seedless grapes
1 cup finely chopped salted peanuts

Directions:

1. Wash and dry the grapes.
2. Combine the white chocolate chips and shortening in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
3. Put all of the grapes in the bowl and toss to coat.
4. Spread the grapes onto wax paper and sprinkle with peanuts.

5. Chill for 1 hour before serving.