Roasted Garlic Spread

Roasted Garlic Spread with Currants and Brandy Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Roasted Garlic Spread is a delicious and versatile spread that can be used in a variety of dishes. The combination of roasted garlic, cream cheese, currants, and toasted almonds creates a rich and flavorful spread that is perfect for serving with crackers, bread, or vegetables.

History

The origins of Roasted Garlic Spread are not well-documented, but garlic has been used in cooking for thousands of years. Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to dishes. This spread is a modern twist on traditional garlic spreads, incorporating currants and almonds for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of currants
0.33 cup of brandy
3 roasted garlic heads
1 lb (454 g) of cream cheese
0.75 cup of finely chopped toasted almonds
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, macerate currants in the brandy for 30 minutes.
Drain well and return to the bowl.
Squeeze the roasted garlic pulp from the heads into a bowl, taking care to remove any bits of skin from the pulp.
Add the roasted garlic to the currants along with the cream cheese and almonds.
Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Substitute walnuts or pecans for the almonds.
Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove any bits of skin from the roasted garlic before adding it to the spread.

- Be sure to drain the currants well after macerating them in brandy to prevent the spread from becoming too liquidy.

- Refrigerate the spread for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Garlic Spread is delicious served on crackers, bread, or as a dip for vegetables. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the garlic adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the spread. Be sure to roast the garlic until it is soft and golden brown for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brandy, you can substitute with orange juice or apple cider. You can also use raisins instead of currants.

Make Ahead Tips

Roasted Garlic Spread can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Roasted Garlic Spread in a small bowl garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Roasted Garlic Spread pairs well with a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and fresh vegetables. It also goes well with a glass of red wine or a crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Roasted Garlic Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Roasted Garlic Spread contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Roasted Garlic Spread contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Roasted Garlic Spread contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Roasted Garlic Spread contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Roasted Garlic Spread is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.

Alergens

Roasted Garlic Spread contains dairy (cream cheese) and nuts (almonds).

Summary

Roasted Garlic Spread is a flavorful spread that is relatively high in fat and calories, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Roasted Garlic Spread is a delicious and versatile spread that is perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a snack. With its rich and flavorful combination of roasted garlic, cream cheese, currants, and almonds, this spread is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy kitchen. Margaret was known for her delicious homemade recipes, and on this particular day, she was making a roasted garlic spread that filled the air with a mouthwatering aroma.

As I watched her prepare the spread, I couldn't help but be captivated by the simplicity of the ingredients and the transformative power of roasting garlic. Margaret explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down to her many years ago.

I was eager to learn the recipe for myself, so Margaret graciously walked me through each step. She started by selecting a few heads of garlic and cutting off the tops to expose the cloves. She then drizzled them with olive oil and wrapped them in foil before placing them in the oven to roast.

As the garlic cooked, it released a tantalizing scent that filled the kitchen and made my stomach rumble with anticipation. Once the garlic was soft and caramelized, Margaret removed it from the oven and squeezed the cloves out of their skins into a bowl. She then mashed them with a fork and added a generous amount of creamy goat cheese, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon juice.

The result was a velvety spread that was both savory and sweet, with a subtle hint of smokiness from the roasted garlic. Margaret spread it on slices of crusty bread and offered me a taste. It was love at first bite.

From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and quiet evenings at home. Each time I prepared it, I thought of Margaret and her grandmother, and how their love for good food had brought us together.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor. But no matter how many variations I try, the basic recipe remains the same – simple, satisfying, and full of memories.

As I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of roasted garlic spread for a dinner party with friends, I can't help but feel grateful for the people who have shared their recipes with me over the years. Each one is a treasure, a piece of history, a connection to the past.

And so, as I spread the velvety mixture onto slices of toasted baguette and garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh chives, I say a silent thank you to Margaret and her grandmother, for passing down this delicious recipe that has brought so much joy and comfort into my life.

I hope that one day, I will be able to share it with my own grandchildren, and continue the tradition of good food, good company, and good memories for generations to come. But for now, I will savor each bite, each moment, each shared recipe, and be thankful for the love that binds us all together.