Fresh Garlic Facts

I found this information about fresh garlic on Recipe Zaar.  I thought it was helpful, so I'm sharing it with you.
Spice: garlic 

Season: available year-round

How to select: Choose firm, plump bulbs with dry skins. Avoid soft or shriveled cloves and garlic stored in the refrigerated section of the produce department.

How to store: Store fresh garlic in an open container in a cool, dark place. Unbroken bulbs can be stored up to 8 weeks. Once broken from the bulb, individual cloves will keep 3-10 days.

How to prepare: Crushed, chopped, pressed, pureed, minced or roasted

Matches well with: beans, beef, beets, cabbage, chicken, eggplant, fish, lamb, lentils, mushrooms, pasta, pork, potatoes, rice, shellfish, spinach, tomatoes, zucchini

Substitutions: 1 clove = 1 teaspoon chopped garlic = 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic = 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder = 1/2 teaspoon garlic flakes = 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic = 1/2 teaspoon garlic juice

Egg Hotdog

I know what you're thinking--that sounds disgusting!  But this was something I grew up eating, and I loved it!  It was a Coughlan family breakfast tradition.  My brother was also known for eating it as a midnight snack.  As a child, my mom would only buy the turkey hotdogs.  Eventually she decided it was okay for us to eat pork, but honestly, I prefer the turkey dogs.  The original recipe is only eggs and a hotdog sliced up.  But for this platter, I changed it up a bit...

A little backstory on the face plate.  My old roommate, Lindsay, gave me the plate for Christmas.  Pretty much the best gift ever!  I forget to use him most of the time, but it's always a blast to make up new faces when I do remember.  :)  Thanks, Lindsay!  Maybe some day my imaginary children will use it.  For more information on the face plate and other fun products, please visit Fred and Friends.

Egg Hotdog

• 2 eggs
• 1 turkey dog
• grated cheese
• smoked paprika
• salt
• pepper

Turn burner on medium-low.  Spray a small skillet with a non-stick cooking spray.  Cut the turkey dog into slices.  Place slices in skillet.  Let cook for a minute or two.  While the turkey dog is cooking, crack eggs into a bowl.  Scramble.  Add salt and pepper.  Pour eggs over turkey dog slices in skillet.  Cook until eggs are almost done.  Sprinkle with cheese and smoked paprika.  After eggs are cooked, place strategically on a face plate.  If you don't have a face plate, use eggs to make a face on a regular plate.

It's me. I'm the hamburger.

Ryan sent me a link today.  With it, he stated, "I saw it, and thought of you."  Here's the link.

Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread

This zucchini bread makes a great dessert for a steak dinner!  It also goes great with greek yogurt and blueberries for breakfast.  Still not satisfied?  Since this recipe makes two loaves, why not try it for a Californian-themed Pot Luck at work?  Basically, zucchini bread can be eaten anytime of the day.  Give it a shot! 

Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread

• 1 c all-purpose flour
• 2 c whole wheat flour
• 1 t baking powder
• 1 t baking soda
• 1/2 t salt
• 2 t cinnamon
• 3/4 c oil
• 1-1/2 c sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 t vanilla
• 2 zucchini, grated (about 3 cups)
• 1 c chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together in a bowl.  In a large bowl cream the oil and sugar together.  Beat in the eggs, vanilla, zucchini, and walnuts.  Then gradually beat in the dry ingredients.

Grease and flour two bread pans.  Pour half of the batter into each pan.  Cook for 1 hour.

Black Bean Hummus

Got bored using chick peas all the time...

Black Bean Hummus:

1 T fresh garlic, minced
1 15oz can black beans, drained and reserved liquid
2 T reserved black bean liquid
2 T lemon (or lime) juice
1-1/2 T tahini
3/4 t ground cumin
1/2 t salt
1/4 t ground red pepper
1/4 t smoked paprika
1 T olive oil

Put all ingredients in a food processor.  Process until smooth.  Add additional black bean liquid and seasonings to taste.