Celebrate Everyday pt. 6

Now, before you judge about the subject of today's holiday,

I suggest that everyone go and get your toothbrush, or minty gum,

or mouthwash, or some other form of "bad-breath" fixer!

Today is Garlic Lover's Day!

Aside from it's pungent flavor and lingering scent, garlic is actually very good for our bodies.

It is beneficial for preventing heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and even cancer! Some researchers say that it is good for "preventing and fighting the common cold". Here is another funny tip, "In 1858, Louis Pasture observed garlic's antibacterial activity, and it was used as an antiseptic to prevent gangrene during World War I and World War II. More recently, it has been found from a clinical trial that a mouthwash containing 2.5% fresh garlic shows good antimicrobial activity, although the majority of the participants reported an unpleasant taste and halitosis." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic

Garlic is good for you, and it tastes good too (in moderation and mixed well with other flavors!) Garlic has been used in many cuisines for centuries. While most people enjoy garlic as a spice, some would rather eat it raw. (Don't judge these health-conscious people, but be prepared to plug your nose!)

So to celebrate Garlic Lover's Day, I would suggest NOT going to the store, buying the largest clove of garlic, and eating it all! Maybe just use a little bit in your cooking today, like this recipe...

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Ingredients list:
1 large loaf of Italian bread.

4 garlic cloves, chopped.

4 tablespoons of butter, softened.

¼ cup of grated mozzarella cheese.

¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

1 teaspoon of dried basil.

1 teaspoon of dried parsley.

½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Cut the loaf of bread in half, lengthwise. Mix the chopped garlic with the softened butter; spread the mixture over each half. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over both halves. In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan with remaining dry ingredients; sprinkle the mixture evenly over the bread. Place the bread halves on an un-greased baking sheet. Bake until the cheese is melted and bread gas turned golden brown (takes about 10-15 minutes). Slice and serve warm.