Archive for September, 2008

I have been a huge fan of the “stinkin’ rose” for more than thirty years. I would eat it in everything if it did not have such an abusive aroma and pungent taste causing an offensive breath that could wake the dead.

I have learned from experience that the more you chop or crush garlic the more potent it is; and when left in its raw form the flavor is quite subtle.

If you’re looking for a more gentle flavor try the elephant ear garlic, those jumbo cloves  often remind me of shallots in a strange kind of way.

What would garlic bread be without garlic or roasted leg of lamb? My most famous memory was a wonderful garlic soup I had when I visited Austin, Texas. It was a light cream soup garnished with little garlic croûtons. The flavor was delicate, but definitely garlicky. I’m not into making garlic ice cream yet or using it in chocolate truffles but I do think it is one of those wonderful jewels that would be missed if left out of a dish.

Do you have a favorite garlicky dish?

My favorites are the Roast Lamb with Garlic and Beans, page 32 and the Eggplant and Garlic Lasagna, page 46 from my favorite garlic cookbook Garlic-A Book of Recipes.

How much garlic can you stand at one sitting?

I have been looking for a tasty, healthy salad dressing recipe for years. I don’t want that traditional lemon juice and olive oil dressing and I don’t want anything white, like the ranch and bleu cheese dressings. I am looking for something different.

This search has taken me back to the early cookbooks where the photos were all black and white or none existent. I do not eat salads every day, but I may eat them every other day and I want something delicious, but different drizzled over the top. I don’t know if I am the only person who is tired of all those traditional salad dressings, but there are times when I don’t want to eat salad because I can’t find a dressing that is simple, healthy and tasty.

No, I don’t want a bottled brand dressing so please don’t email me with your favorite brand. I just want something different, simple. I created an avocado salad dress, avocado, orange juice, lemon juice, salt and white pepper. I am going to have to make it again so I can decipher the correct amount of each ingredient, but it turned out to be a heavenly dressing.

Has you every happened upon a dressing recipe and discovered it was a real hit?