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Garlic is garlic, right? Not if you're the Garlic Guy at the St. Paul Farmer's Market. Here find as many as 10 different varieties, each with their own personalities, some strong characters, some mild and accommodating. Talking to him is like being introduced to new and interesting, friends. Here is red rose garlic that is fragrant, mild, and the cloves are really big. It's terrific chopped and used in a fresh salad dressing or fresh salsa (think cranberry salsa). It figures mightily in sauces, soups and stews.
This is one I plan to use to season my turkey gravy. I will also roast several heads to serve with the bread at the table. To do so, simply slice off the top, drizzle on some great olive oil, and then put on a roasting pan in moderate 350-degree oven for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the cloves are silky, creamy and make a wonderful spread.
The time to seek garlic (and potatoes and squash) is now. You can stock up for the big meal, and enjoy trying out some new recipes as you count off the days. Find interesting and delicious varieties of vegetables at the farmers markets right now. Savor the last of the harvest before it goes away.