Must Have Pantry Items
- Garlic-Flavored Olive Oil
Place twelve freshly-peeled gloves of garlic into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add 6 cups of good quality olive oil. Place jar in a cool, dark location for 4 – 6 days.
Garlic-flavored oil is ready to use within days. Use garlic oil in place of fresh garlic when you are in a hurry. Easily replaces butter in most savory recipes! Excellent for quick pasta, crustini and pan-searing.
- Sourdough Bread Crumbs
Save heels of crusty bread for excellent bread crumbs. Break or crush bread into small pieces and toss with garlic-flavored olive oil and kosher salt. Place in a baking dish and move to a preheated warm oven (175- 200 degrees) for 2 – 3 hours.
Place toasted pieces in the bowl of a fool processor and pulse until medium-fine in texture. Pack crumbs in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Fresh-minced Garlic
Peel garlic cloves from a large firm bulb of garlic. Mince cloves and scoop into a small jar. Cover with a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil. Reseal jar and place in your refrigerator. Good for quick meals and marinades.
- Oven-Roasted Tomatoes
Start with 3 – 4 fresh, firm tomatoes. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and dip each tomato into boiling water for a few seconds, using a slotted spoon. Make sure each tomato is completely covered by the boiling water. Remove from water and drain. Gently peel away skins. Allow tomatoes to cool. Slice each tomato into thin, even slices.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and arrange each slice of tomato on sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, fresh cracked salt and pepper. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about twenty to thirty minutes. Cool and place in a glass jar. Pour additional garlic-flavored olive oil evenly over the top of the tomatoes. Store tomatoes in the refrigerator.
Good for quick crustini, easy pastas and greatly enhances the flavor of sautéed greens.
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