Sookie Stackhouse needs this Garlic recipe, stat!

Okay, so today while sweating at the gym (no not from the work out, the walk across the parking lot because of the unnatural heat) I was wondering what I should make for dinner. I wanted to make something quick and easy and thought why not grill some chicken on my lean mean fat grilling machine (I was at the gym so healthy was on the brain). So as I continued to breathe through my downward dog and tree poses I wracked my brain for grilled chicken recipe ideas. Maybe it was the blood rushing to my brain but suddenly I remembered one from http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Italian-Chicken-Marinade/Detail.aspx, that uses garlic and Italian dressing. Easy, fast and did you know that garlic is good for you? Of course since I was going to be cooking with it, I figured I might as well find out where this smelly ingredient came from.  

History of Garlic

The word garlic comes from the Old English garleac, meaning "spear leek." Garlic dates back over 6,000 years and is native to Central Asia. It has long been a staple food in the Mediterranean world, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Garlic grows wild only in Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) today. Earlier in history garlic grew wild over a much larger area, in fact, wild garlic may have grown wild  in China,  India, Egypt and as far away as the Ukraine.

Egyptians worshiped garlic and put clay models of garlic bulbs in the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Garlic was so highly-valued that it was even used as money. According to folklore garlic repelled vampires, protected against the Evil Eye, and warded off jealous nymphs who terrorize pregnant women and engaged maidens. Garlic was also famous for being an aphrodisiac (huh? How does that work, wouldn't it repel women instead?).

Amazingly, garlic was looked down upon by food snobs in the United States. Until the first part of the twentieth century, it was found only in ethnic dishes in working-class neighborhoods. By the 1940, America had opened its arms to garlic, recognizing its value as a seasoning and also as a major ingredient in recipes.

Charming diner slang of the 1920's referred to garlic as Bronx vanilla, halitosis, and Italian perfume. Today, Americans alone consume more than 250 million pounds of garlic annually.

Medicinal Properties

There are lots of sayings and  proverbs about Garlic which reflect its importance and quality such as Garlic is as good as 10 mothers and  Garlic a day keep sickness at bay. A variety of researches have proved it that Garlic is good for health and is beneficial in curing various health problems.

Garlic contains various nutrients including vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and natural sugars and oil soluble nutrients like sulphur compounds originating from an amino acid named alliin which is converted to an overpowering compound called allicin which has natural antibiotic properties. The presence of sulphur also accounts for its pungent smell
Garlic Medicinal Uses:

·         Garlic acts as an antiseptic & helps in healing the wounds very quickly (if your ever hurt in the wilderness, this could come in handy).

·         One of the health benefits of garlic is that it helps in fighting against various infection and  acts against inflammation and infection, including colds, coughs by adding a freshly cut raw clove to food three times a day or taking garlic capsules.

·         In certain studies in China it has been shown that it contains chemicals that prevent cancer. They suggest that eating garlic on regular basis provides some protection against cancer.

·         Fresh or cooked garlic or 500 mg garlic capsules twice daily helps in lowering  blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. It reduces harmful cholesterol in the blood and keeps arteries and heart healthy.

·         It thins the blood, reduces clotting and helps in controlling blood pressure and poor circulation.

·         Garlic stimulates the immune system of body and  helps in fighting against various diseases.

·         Prevents & relieves chronic bronchitis and  respiratory problems.

·         It acts as a nasal decongestant.

·         Garlic works as a cleanser of the digestive system, helps in curing flatulence, kills internal parasites and is an excellent internal antiseptic.

·         Researcher recommends daily dose of fresh garlic of about 4 gm, equivalent to one or two small cloves for each & every person who wants to keep himself healthy.

There are various historical facts which prove that Garlic has been used from centuries for its medicinal uses. From around 3000 B.C. Chinese scholars  praise garlic.  During World War I, Garlic was used to control infections in wounds. It was also used for controlling a raging epidemic of flu in 1963 in Russia.

Wow! Garlic is a miracle,  I should cook with it more often. On that note, not only did I make Garlic marinated chicken for dinner, I also made garlic bread and Greek orzo salad. Sookie Stackhouse should come over so I can teach her how to get rid of vamps.

Grilled Chicken with Italian Marinade

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian-style salad dressing
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (I buy mine in a jar)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions

1.     In a shallow baking dish, mix the salad dressing, garlic, and salt. Place the chicken in the bowl, and turn to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 4 hours. (For best results, marinate overnight.)

2.    Preheat the grill for high heat.

3.    Lightly oil grate. Discard marinade, and grill chicken 8 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear.

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian-style salad dressing
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 large tomatoes (I'm very happy/lucky to say mine came from the backyard, so good. If you can't get yours from the yard store bought is fine just make sure they are fat and juicy)
• 1 medium English cucumber
• 1 lb. Orzo pasta
• 1 small Red onion; minced

Directions

Boil orzo until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Add onion and garlic and stir well. When pasta is cool, add dressing (amount is up to you), tomatoes, and cucumber.

Garlic bread to ward off Vamps

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup olive oil (you might need to add a bit more)

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Greek oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise

Directions

1.     Preheat oven to 300 degrees F .

2.    In a small bowl, mix oil, garlic salt, oregano and garlic powder.

3.    Spread each half of the French bread with equal portions of the oil mixture (inside and outside). Sprinkle inside with Parmesan cheese.

4.    Place bread halves, crusts down, on a medium baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned.

Enjoy your healthful garlic meal and remember if you're going to kiss anyone you should brush, gargle and floss.

    Cin

http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=523

http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodhistory/a/garlichistory.htm

http://www.indianfoodforever.com/food-guide/garlic-health-benefits.html