Cooking Playdate March 2014: A tribute to all things garlic, the stinking rose

It was every garlic lovers dream to meet up with like minded enthusiasts to pay tribute to one of the most adored and pungent ingredients in the culinary world.  I didn't know when I came up with the idea, how many others shared my devotion to garlic.  Brittany and I were planner-hosts and Lauren EB was home-host for this delightfully aromatic bash.  Wioletta and I got things started with a roasted garlic and white bean dip we served with veggies.

Along the way Brittany and Suzanne whipped up kale chips and many chipped in to check those fickle guys and make sure they came out crispy and perfect.  Suzanne even made a batch of super spicy ones that really knocked my socks off.

Who knew there were so many tricks for peeling garlic!  Brittany had a silicon tube contraption that worked great and Emily MS gave us a quick dance routine to show us the shake approach.  She simply put the cloves in a bowl, topped it with another bowl the same size, and then shook-shook-shook... low and behold, yes those cloves were peeled!

That garlic went on to turn into many tasty delights.  Jennifer whipped up some garlic bread two ways- one crunchy and one softer.  Colleen made some decadent and addicting garlic shrimp.  Danielle made cream of garlic soup and Emily MS made crispy garlic potato chips.

But the celebrating didn't stop there!  There were beautiful cupcakes to celebrate Anikan's second birthday. He wore a cape to mark the occasion and there were party hats all around.  We sang while he beamed and it was a wonderful moment.

After the event many ladies reported that fabulous garlic aroma seeping from their skin but what a hoot we had going garlic gaga!