Tuesday, January 5, 2010

DEVELOP THE TASTE - FLAVOR WITH GARLIC

Have I told you about my babies -- well, some of  you might call them "Dogs "-- nevertheless - they are so precious. Three Schnauzers  - Harley, age 9 (hard to believe) Lexie, age 6 and little Beemer, age 4.  They own this family.  They all have similar traits -- but such different personalities.  I worked with Harley for 3 years before Lexie came along and he is totally family oriented - where we are - there he is also! We took him to obedience school twice (failed the first time, but he was only eight months old) and the second time -wow -  he won a trophy - 3rd prize and there were three in the class!  But you know what - he absorbed all that he needed.  He is so playful - never goes anywhere- especially down the hall -   loping all the way - similar to me when I am on a dead-line!  He sticks close to us.  Lexie is the boss of the family -- fiesty little girl - I call her my "little black girl!"  She will die trying to lick you to death and then tear into Harley like a little minature hyena if he comes near when you are petting her.  Then little sweet Beemer - he is so precious - seeking love and taking whatever you will give him..He will reach up and pull your arm away from petting one of the others! TALK ABOUT STRESS RELIEF!!    So you are thinking "What on earth does this have to do with cooking???"  Nothing really,  but they remind me of families - some like certain things and others would die before they would try it.  Take my very favorite herb - GARLIC!   Garlic is said to provide nouishement for circulatory, immune and urinary systems.  It aids in supporting  normal circulation, nourishing stomach tissues, maintaining normal blood pressure and aids the body's natural ability to resist disease.  Garlic is a natural  antibiotic and fungicide.  Oh yes - it is also generally used for cardiovascular conditions.  See why I love it so much??  Ha - I love it because of the aroma, the taste, and what it does to food!!  It can transform the plainest of plain into delicious!

Tip:  Buy you a good (Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart)  garlic press, buy you a couple of "heads" of garlic --(LESSON) heads are the big round clumps clinging together - just waiting to be pulled apart and be used "clove by clove."  Experiment -- see the difference!!!!

I add garlic to almost everything (not my oatmeal)  - much to my Mom's dismay and displeasure.  She makes no bones about not liking garlic, the smell or the results.  So I really wasn't introduced to "Garlic" until after I got married. (Mother still doesn't like it and never fails to mention the garlic I have in certain dishes!  - Sometimes her "nose fools her" because I don't always use it if I am planning to take her part of the dish -  just take her part out and then add the garlic!!!--Other times, she really brags on the food I took and I never tell her about the garlic in it!  I sometimes think the "hate" is only in her mind - not her taste buds!!)   I had friends that had a brother that opened a Pizza shop (where Stanley's is now located on Beckham -- YES - THAT WAS A LONG TIME AGO!!) I am sure he used garlic on those wonderful pizzas and  garlic is certainly an important ingredient in all of the Mexican food I adore.

So - I developed such a love for garlic- that very seldom is there not at least one dish on my meal menu (unless it is breakfast) without it! - I consider many dishes "heart healthy" simply because of the Garlic - at least two cloves in it.

To come - several recipes with garlic - those that would not be the same without it! 

Develop the taste -- Try it - you will like it!

Have a great and blessed tomorrow - and God's will - talk to you soon!  Please send questions to this website or to joncarole.gilbreath@southside.com!

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