08 Apr Surprisingly Sweet Garlic Desserts
Surprisingly Sweet Garlic Desserts “Garlic in desserts?” I hear you cry. If you are new to the concept of garlic in sweet meals, this combination may sound like Willy Wonka’s latest creation. However, if you are looking for a new ingredient to add to your after dinner treats; garlic could be just the ticket. Most of us associate this ingredient with the white coloured imported garlic found in supermarkets, yet there are actually many varieties grown in Canada which differ in size, colour and flavour. Intrigued? Here are some ideas for your kitchen this year.
What types to use Garlic is a great dessert ingredient because it mellows and sweetens as it roasts. There are hundreds of varieties of garlic, so some have a more pungent taste more suited to savoury meals whilst others are more mellow. When garlic has been fermented, the bulb will turn black. At this stage, the garlic will lose its strong odour and flavour, which is then perfect for using in a dessert. Sweet garlic recipes If you are a garlic enthusiast, you will probably know about the annual Toronto Garlic Festival. If you are inspired by any of the following recipes, why not try some of them at the festival along with hundreds of other treats that Canada has to offer? Many city hotels are a similar price to Kelowna hotels and other less known areas in Canada so start looking online today. Here are three garlic dessert recipes to get you started.
Garlic bread pudding – serves 8 Warm yourself over the winter with this easy-to-make classic dish. You will need: 2 cups of milk 8 chopped garlic cloves 2 large eggs 2 separated egg yolks A handful of fresh parsley ¾ tablespoon of salt 2 ½ cups of ½ inch cubed bread – preferably Italian Your first step is to add garlic to scolding milk and leave off the heat to infuse for 15 minutes. Strain the milk and add slowly to a mixture of eggs and the separated yolks, mixing well with a whisk. Add parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Divide the bread cubes into separate holes in a muffin tin and ladle the mixture over the bread in equal measures. Bake the bread for 45 minutes until golden brown, leave to cool for 10 minutes and serve.
Garlic ice cream – serves 4 For this refreshing summer favourite with a twist you will need: 3 cups of whole milk ½ tablespoon of chopped garlic 1 cup of double cream 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar 9 separated egg yolks 1 split vanilla pod Pour the milk into a saucepan with garlic and vanilla. Bring to boil then remove from the heat to cool. In a bowl, mix cream, sugar and egg yolks. Strain the milk and add to the mixture, stirring constantly. Pour the combined mixture back in the saucepan and leave over medium heat to thicken, still stirring constantly. When it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, leave for 10-15 minutes before cooling in an ice bath. Freeze overnight to enjoy the next day.
Garlic chocolate chip cookies – 48 cookies These yummy treats are perfect after dinner nibbles. You will need: 10 garlic cloves ½ cup of maple syrup ¾ cup of brown sugar ¾ cup of granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla essence 2 ½ cups of flour 1 teaspoon of baking soda ½ teaspoon of salt ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon 2 ¼ cups of chocolate chips (dark or white) Tenderise the garlic cloves in boiling water for 5 minutes. Peel and chop the cloves and add to maple syrup. Leave them to soak for 20 to 30 minutes. In the meantime, whisk butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda then add to the cream mixture. Slowly add the chocolate chips to this combined mixture. Strain the syrup and add the chopped cloves to the batter. Pour the batter onto ungreased baking paper on a baking tray about 2 inches apart. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the tray from the oven and place the cookies onto a rack to cool. For more garlic inspiration check out our garlic recipes section!