How to Roast Garlic in the Oven

"The are many miracles in the world to be celebrated and, for me, garlic is the most deserving." Leo Buscaglia

I adore onions and covet ginger, but nothing makes me swoon like the sonnet-worthy flavor of garlic. How do I love garlic? Please, allow me to count the ways...I love it raw with a pungent presence and crisp bite. I love it sauteed so it's mellowed, but still spunky. I love it roasted until it becomes sweet and savory and as spreadable as jam. 

When the ground is blanketed with snow, I recommend roasting garlic. The tender cloves provides a lingering warmth and the cooking process will infuse your kitchen with an aroma that comforts like a cozy, woolen blanket. 

Fire-breathe-free roast garlic is also the best option for date night (as are caramelized onions). You want to woo your spouse/partner/potential lover not cause him/her to run away. Far away, right? As garlic lovers know, "A nickel will get you on the subway, but (fresh) garlic will get you a seat."

Roasting  garlic in the oven couldn't be simpler. So if you're looking for a way to warm your heart and your house this fall, I'm here to lead the way...

How to Roast Garlic in the Oven
 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line an ovenproof dish with enough foil that it hangs over the sides. (When the time comes, you'll be able to seal the garlic in a tent). 

Peel away any loose skin from the bulbs. 

Hold each bulb on its side and slice 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the top so the tip of each clove is trimmed. 

Place the bulbs in the foil-lined dish with their cut side facing up. 

Coat the trimmed cloves with olive oil to keep the garlic from burning. Season with salt and pepper.

Gather the ends of the foil and fold them together to seal in the bulbs.

Cook until the garlic becomes tender, about 45 minutes for medium-sized bulbs. 

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. 

Gently peel away the outer skin. Squeeze the skin of each clove from the bottom (like a tube of toothpaste) to push out the flesh. 

How to Store Oven-Roasted Garlic

Place the cloves in an airtight container. Pour in enough olive oil to cover the cloves completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

20 Ways to Use Roasted Garlic

Are you wondering how to use roasted garlic? Friends, the possibilities are endless. Here are 20 suggestions to get your culinary juices flowing:

• Bake it into bread (like seen above)
• Stir it into savory oatmeal
• Spread it on warm toast
• Substitute it for mayonnaise on sandwiches
• Plop it on baked potatoes
• Layer it on breakfast biscuits
• Puree it into hummus
• Beat it with butter 
• Whip it with cream cheese
• Smear it on crackers
• Add it to salad dressing
• Mix it into veggie dip
• Puree it with tomato soup
• Dollop it onto chili
• Spread in on pizza dough
• Add it to mac and cheese
• Stir it into soup
• Spread it on soft taco shells
• Blend into a green smoothie
• Mix it with warm pasta