Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and chives)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Aluminum foil
- Baking sheet
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil.
3. Place the garlic on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
4. Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and discard the skins.
5. In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, chopped herbs, salt, and black pepper. Process until smooth and well combined.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups of spread
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 80
- Total fat: 8g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total carbohydrate: 1g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of cream cheese, you can use goat cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Instead of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Instead of the herbs listed, you can use any combination of your favorite fresh herbs.
Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Stir in a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to let the roasted garlic cool before squeezing it out of its skin to avoid burning your fingers.
- You can make this spread up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Serve the spread with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping.
Storage instructions:
- Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This spread is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the spread in a small bowl with a spoon for easy spreading.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Pairings:
- Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping.
- Pair with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the spread is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the spread is too thin, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before preparing this recipe.
- Store the spread in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 5 days.
Food history:
- Garlic has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in Central Asia and was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
Flavor profiles:
- This spread is creamy, savory, and slightly tangy, with a subtle garlic and herb flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this spread as an appetizer or snack at your next party or gathering.
- Use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for added flavor.
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