Garlic Confit

Recipe:  Adapted from Michael Psilakis Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Keeps in the refrigerator for weeks. And, you can use the garlic infused oil for dressings, or any recipe you want to kick up a notch.  If  you can buy peeled garlic cloves, this recipe is a snap.

Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• 3 c. garlic cloves peeled
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 c. extra-virgin olive oil.

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a small ovenproof dish or pot, combine garlic cloves, bay leaves and peppercorns. Cover completely with oil, tightly cover pot with lid or foil, and bake 1 hour or longer, until cloves are very soft. Let cool.

2. Strain oil into a jar, peel garlic cloves and place in oil. Use immediately or refrigerate up to 1 week; bring to room temperature before using.

Yield: About 2 dozen garlic cloves.