The Amazing Garlic; Roasted Garlic Appetizer

When you think of a basic spice or seasoning that you cannot possibly live without, what is it? As a food lover and cooking enthusiast, there is only one that I can think of: Garlic. Garlic has been with us since time immemorial. It does not only aid man when it comes to cooking, it also helps in our health status and overall well being. Some people even included it in their spiritual and religious beliefs. It was revealed that the Egyptians worshiped it to the point of creating clay models of the garlic bulbs.

To give proof to this, relics were discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamen. To top it all off, garlic is even present in folklore. The garlic is believed to ward off demons such as vampires, nymphs, and other demonic creatures that causes evil to man. Additionally, researchers say that garlic is an aphrodisiac that has been used all through time. To add more to the trivia about garlic. it was even used as a currency!

The term "garlic" came from the Old English word "garleac." The term means, "spear leek." Garlic has been found to be a native spice coming from Central Asia. It has also been a staple and basic seasoning in the Mediterranean as well as in Africa and Europe. Nevertheless, in the United States, it was another story. Garlic was not given the warm welcome that it deserved. This came as a shock since garlic is a very important spice that ultimately takes cooking to a new horizon.

During the 1st quarter of the 20th century, garlic was only found to be utilized by working class communities. It was only in the 1940s that garlic was finally recognized for its numerous purposes be it in cooking as well as in its naturally occurring health benefits. As of today, we consider garlic not just as a minor seasoning; we accept it is a major spice that is used for our everyday cooking. Presently, an estimated amount of 250 million pounds of garlic is consumed every year. In addition, that 250 million is just from America alone. Wow, that is a whole lot of garlic!

From the time that man has started using garlic, many studies have been conducted in order to determine the many benefits that this famous spice produces. Garlic is found to be packed with vitamins and minerals. It is rich in potassium, calcium, iodine, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, B1, B2 and C.

Garlic is well known to aid in several diseases. According to the ancient Greeks, garlic that is crushed then soaked in wine can help to prevent infection in any kind of wound. Garlic, even today, is used in the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. It was also said to be helpful in treating cholesterol levels as well as the viscosity of blood.

Additionally, garlic is an antiseptic, anti parasitic, and it also kills bacteria. To add to the long list of purposes of garlic, it also aids in the management of several respiratory ailments such as asthma, pneumonia, cough, and bronchitis. Another study revealed that garlic assists in treating several skin problems. It cures ring worms, dandruff problems, leprosy boils and even the common pimple! As for intestinal illnesses on the other hand, garlic is there to help as well.

It can help with cholera, ulcer, and rheumatism. Another significant role of garlic that greatly boosts its value is that it helps strengthen the heart muscles. It helps to clear arteries that are clogged thus managing hypertension and prevents stroke. Garlic is indeed a wonderful spice that not only helps in making food delicious; it also is an herb that makes sure that we live a healthier and better life.

If ever you are planning to include garlic in your day to day living, here is a tip: In order to make sure for maximum effectiveness, it is important to drink water. Lots of it! The water will help to balance out the effect of garlic in the body.

I will share a simple recipe that will make you appreciate garlic for its simple taste and wonderful flavor. I discovered this recipe not so long ago out of curiosity. If you are interested in cooking easy appetizer recipes, then this recipe will surely delight you. It is one of the easy party appetizers that will definitely assist you in the gatherings that you are planning to host.

Roasted Garlic AppetizersIngredients:

• 2-3 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 3 pieces of whole garlic heads

Directions:

1. First, prepare the oven and preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Then, start peeling off the outer layers of the garlic skin.
3. Do not peel the innermost skin that keeps the cloves intact in order to retain the form of the garlic bulb.
4. Then, cut ½ of an inch off of the edge of the garlic thereby leaving the cloves exposed. After that, obtain an ovenproof dish.
5. It may be a baking pan or a garlic cooker if have one. Pour in ½ teaspoon of olive oil on the topmost part of each garlic bulb.
6. Then, make sure that the oil will be distributed on each of the cloves.
7. Add in another ½ teaspoon of olive oil on the garlic bulbs. If you are using a baking pan, please do cover it with a baking sheet.
8. Roast until the garlic cloves are turned brown and become very soft.
9. This will take about 45 to 60 minutes.
10. Let it cool.
11. Then, using a small knife, slice the skin surrounding each clove.
12. After that, release the garlic by pulling it out or squeezing it using a cocktail fork or your bare fingers.

If you will not be using the garlic right away, you can store it in a sealed container and place it in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to several days.

The roasted garlic is an excellent appetizer that can be paired off best with bread. You can serve it with other accompaniments that will surely complement the flavor of garlic such as cream cheese. This is an easy to make appetizer that your family and friends will surely dig in. It is simple but definitely delectable!

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About the AuthorRecipe PublishingInterests: I enjoy sharing quick and easy home made recipes. My favorites are Mexican Recipes, Pizza Recipes, and Simple Desserts. Thanks for viewing my collection of home made recipes. Website:Recipe Publishing Blog