Garlic Day

Today, April 19th, is National Garlic Day. The “stinking rose” has been used for culinary purposes throughout the ages. The flavor of garlic is unbeatable and undeniably delicious. I have chosen the Garlic Martini, Anti-Pasta Skewers, and Broiled Garlic Lime Shrimp as the perfect trio to celebrate National Garlic Day. Enjoy!




Garlic Martini

Kettle One vodka
2 drops dry vermouth
garlic stuffed olives

Fill the martini shaker with ice. In the shaker mix the Kettle One vodka with the dry vermouth. Shake!! Garnish with the garlic stuffed olive.

Antipasto Skewers

12 - 4" skewers
½ ball baby mozzarella
12 slices Genoa salami
12 perpperccini peppers, reserve 1 tablespoon of the liquid for dipping sauce
6 slices provolone cheese, quartered for a triangle shape
12 marinated button mushrooms
12 grape tomatoes
24 olives (black, green or kalamata)
12 artichoke hearts, quartered and drained

Dipping Sauce:
4 ounces garlic cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon pesto
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon reserved pepperccini juice

Place the ingredients on the skewer in the order listed. Refrigerate and prepare dipping sauce. Serve chilled.



Broiled Garlic Lime Shrimp

1 lb raw, peeled, de-veined shrimp with the tails on
3 minced cloves of garlic
½ cup olive oil
3 limes (hint: if you microwave the lime for about 20 seconds before you squeeze it you will get twice as much juice out of it)

Preheat broiler to 500 degrees.

In a large ziploc bag place the shrimp, minced garlic, the juice of two limes, and ½ cup olive oil. Mix.

Place the shrimp and all of the delicious marinade on a jelly roll dish. Place under the broiler for 10-12 minutes, until the shrimp is opaque and cooked through. While the shrimp is cooking, cut the last lime into quarters to use as a garnish for serving. Serve immediately.