I don't know about you but lately every time I hear a sneeze or cough, I'm tempted to run and hide until cold and flu season is over! It seems like everyone is getting sick this time of year.
(Cue Mission Impossible theme song)
Today I want to share with you what I believe to be Nature's Secret Weapon...My tried and true Roasted Garlic Recipe (initially created by my dear mother). Anyone that has been to my kitchen knows you will likely smell garlic when you walk in. I love garlic, but I especially love garlic to keep me from getting sick and to shorten the duration of an illness.
Disclaimer #1: I am not a physician and you should consult with a physician before engaging in any new wellness routine.
Disclaimer #2: If you do not like garlic, my sympathies are with you. This is a very pro-garlic post, so you may want to just forward this post to your garlic-loving friends and scroll to the top of this post, click on Blog, and find another post that is a little less garlicky :)
Disclaimer #3: You may smell like garlic after eating it, shocking I know. No actually, some people are ultra-sensitive to garlic and it smells like it comes out of their pores after eating just a few cloves. If that's you, you may want to save the garlic eating for a Friday night so you can air out over the weekend.
It's no secret that garlic is a super superfood. Check out pages 178-179 of Living Wellness for Growth Groups for more information on this powerful antioxidant. Garlic has a reputation as being heart healthy and immune boosting --though doing a quick Google search the scientific studies have not been very conclusive. I personally have experienced the healthful benefits of garlic in illness prevention.
Roasted garlic goes great in just about any savory recipes (don't roast garlic at the same time as baking chocolate chip cookies...the cookies don't end well), but here's a list of my favorite recipes to add roasted garlic to:
- Chicken noodle soup (Living Wellness recipe to come!)
- Mashed into a baked potato with sea salt and grass-fed butter...I call it my healing potato
- Topping on homemade pizza
- Wellness-O, roasted garlic smashed between two crackers (developed by Living Wellness Growth Group Facilitator and my husband Marc Hanson)
Wellness-O
Let's quick talk about oils. On p. 156 of Living Wellness for Growth Groups Ashley outlines what fats are safe for different types of cooking. Since we'll be roasting the garlic in the oven, we will want at least a medium heat oil. I like to use olive oil for this recipe but feel free another medium or high heat oil.
Nature's Secret Weapon Roasted Garlic
Caitlyn Hanson, originally created by my mother Debra Poirier
Ingredients
- 1 Head of raw garlic
- 1 Tsp. extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- Dash of salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the top of the head of garlic so that some of the tops of the cloves of garlic are exposed
- Place garlic inside a small sheet of parchment paper and place this in a small or ceramic container (I used to use aluminum foil but then read this article on the dangers of aluminum foil)
- Drizzle olive or avocado oil on the exposed garlic cloves and sprinkle a dash of salt on top.
- Twist close the parchment paper and roast in oven for 50-60 minutes. You know they are done when the sides of the head of garlic are squishy and your home smells amazing.
Share in the comments below your favorite ways to use roasted garlic!
You are worth more than mediocre. You are worth exceptional health!
Caitlyn J. Hanson
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any illnesses or disease. Please always check with your doctor before beginning any new nutritional or fitness program or before making any nutritional/fitness changes.