Garlic... It's not just to keep away vampires.

It is time for garlic to have its own page on 2 Prickly Pears.

Let’s see a show of hands of all you garlic lovers!

Garlic has been used for 7,000 years all over the world.   Its origin began in Central Asia but has a steep history in Mediterranean food, as well as Egyptian, European and African dishes.

Garlic contains a sulfur compound called allicin, which is produced when garlic is chopped, chewed or bruised.  Allicin is known as a powerful antibiotic which helps the body fight unwanted germs and viruses.

The body loves garlic.  It helps the body maintains healthy blood circulation and strengthens the immune system which in turn helps aid the heart in beating properly.  Garlic helps loosen plaque on the artery walls; helps regulate blood pressure and sugar levels in the blood.  It also helps reduce  LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol)

Garlic also contains germanium which is an anti-cancer agent.  Garlic contains more germanium than any other herb.  Studies have shown positive effects on tumors when garlic is consumed.  It is also loaded with vitamins and nutrients to include vitamin A, B, B2, C, Calcium, just to name a few.

Garlic can thin the blood like aspirin.  Those who take blood thinners or have blood thinning issues need to be careful when consuming and should check with their doctor if they are changing their diet.

MMMMM... Garlic!

Garlic is a well know herb that has used for a variety of ailments such as asthma, hoarseness, and coughs, breathing issues, ear infections and toothaches.   A remedy can be found online for each one of these aliments.  Some tried and true and others handed down through the years.

Remember everything in moderation.  Though garlic is very good for you, over consumption can have some unwanted side effects such as; a distinct odor on the skin and breath, can cause heartburn, upset stomach, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches and dizziness.

Garlic & Parmesan Dinner Rolls

 1/4 C Water

1 C Milk

2 T Olive Oil

1 Egg

4 C Flour

1 t Granulated Garlic (**see note below)

1/2 t Salt

2 T sugar

3/4 C Parmesan Cheese, grated

4 1/2 t Yeast

Butter for the baking pan

Warm water, milk and olive oil to 120 degrees.

Put 1 cup flour and yeast in the bowl of your stand mixer.   Add the warm liquid and combine using paddle at medium speed for 3 minutes.  Add the egg and parmesan cheese, beat for 1 minute.  Add the sugar and the rest of the flour 1 cup at a time and continue to mix until a ball forms.  Change to the dough hook and mix for 5 minutes or knead by hand for 3-5 minutes.  

Turn dough out into a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes.  Punch dough down.  Using a sharp knife, cut dough in half and half again.  Cut each piece into 4, 16 pieces all together.  Shape into round balls and place in greased baking pan.  Let rise again for 20 minutes.  Lightly brush with melted butter.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.  Enjoy!!

**FYI: 1 garlic clove = 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic.  Granulated garlic is simply dehydrated garlic then granulated.  Never use garlic salt as a substitute.  

And let’s not forget warding off those pesky vampires.  One garlic bulb will do the trick!