Total Pageviews

Search This Blog

Translate

Saturday, 7 February 2026

OH NO!! TOO MUCH GARLIC!!

The other day, someone said they put way too much garlic in what ever it was they were cooking and needed help to fix it.  At the time, I had some thoughts, but didn't reply.  Today, I asked ChatGPT how to fix it.

Oh yes — too much garlic can usually be fixed 😄🧄 Don’t worry, you’ve got options depending on what kind of dish it is.

Here are some tried-and-true ways to tame garlic overload:

🥛 1. Add Dairy or Fat
Garlic’s bite is mellowed by fat.
Stir in cream, milk, butter, sour cream, yogurt, or cheese
Works great for sauces, soups, pasta, and mashed potatoes

🧂 2. Increase the Base
Dilution is your friend.
Add more broth, tomatoes, vegetables, rice, pasta, or protein
Basically make more of the dish without garlic and combine

🍯 3. Add a Touch of Sweet
A little sweetness balances sharp flavors.
Try honey, sugar, maple syrup, or caramelized onions
Especially good in tomato sauces, stir-fries, and glazes

🍋 4. Add Acid
Acid cuts through harshness.
Use lemon juice, vinegar, wine, or tomatoes
Add slowly — a teaspoon at a time

🥔 5. Add a Starchy Buffer
Starch absorbs strong flavors.
Add potatoes, rice, beans, bread, or pasta

🔥 6. Cook It Longer
If the garlic is raw-tasting:
Let the dish simmer longer
Garlic gets sweeter and milder with time

Chicken Drumstick Recipies


1️⃣ Baked Chicken Drumsticks — Buffalo

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken drumsticks
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup frank's red hot sauce (or similar buffalo sauce)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pat the drumsticks dry, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them on the baking sheet.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

While baking, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder in a large bowl.

Toss the cooked drumsticks in the buffalo sauce immediately before serving.

───── ✦ ─────

2️⃣ Baked Chicken Drumsticks — Honey Garlic

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken drumsticks
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil.

Toss drumsticks with oil and salt, then arrange on the baking sheet.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and pepper flakes; simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Brush the baked drumsticks generously with the glaze and broil for 1-2 minutes to caramelize (watch closely to prevent burning).

───── ✦ ─────

3️⃣ Baked Chicken Drumsticks — Garlic Parmesan

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken drumsticks
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Rub drumsticks with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then place on a baking sheet.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and crispy.

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic.

Toss the hot drumsticks in the garlic butter, then sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and parsley and toss again to coat evenly.

───── ✦ ─────

4️⃣ Baked Chicken Drumsticks — Lemon Pepper

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken drumsticks
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet.

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

Brush the butter mixture all over the drumsticks.

Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken right before serving.

───── ✦ ─────

5️⃣ Baked Chicken Drumsticks — BBQ

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken drumsticks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Rub drumsticks with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove from oven, brush liberally with BBQ sauce, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is sticky and the chicken is cooked through.

───── ✦ ─────

6️⃣ Baked Chicken Drumsticks — Sweet Chili

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken drumsticks
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Toss drumsticks in oil and salt and place on a baking sheet.

Bake for 40 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice in a large bowl.

Toss the cooked drumsticks in the sauce mixture until fully coated, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve.

Garlic Knots - 6 different types


1️⃣ Garlic Knots — Classic
Ingredients:

1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut the pizza dough into 12 even strips and tie each strip into a simple knot; place on the baking sheet.

Brush the knots lightly with olive oil and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.

While baking, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a large bowl.

Remove knots from the oven and immediately toss them in the garlic butter mixture until coated.

───── ✦ ─────
2️⃣ Garlic Knots — Parmesan
Ingredients:

1 lb pizza dough
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet.

Slice dough into 12 pieces, roll into ropes, and tie into knots.

Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, salt, parsley, and half of the Parmesan cheese.

Toss the hot knots in the butter mixture, then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top before serving.

───── ✦ ─────
3️⃣ Garlic Knots — Cheesy
Ingredients:

1 lb pizza dough
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Cut dough into strips and tie into knots; arrange them on a baking sheet close together (touching slightly).

Bake for 10 minutes.

Mix melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning; brush over the semi-baked knots.

Top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then return to the oven for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

───── ✦ ─────
4️⃣ Garlic Knots — Pizza-Style
Ingredients:

1 lb pizza dough
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup marinara sauce (warmed)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Form dough into 12 knots and place on a baking sheet.

Mix olive oil, garlic powder, and oregano; brush over the raw knots.

Bake for 12 minutes until light golden.

Remove from oven, top each knot with a spoonful of marinara, a pinch of mozzarella, and pepperoni.

Bake for an additional 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.

───── ✦ ─────
5️⃣ Garlic Knots — Spicy

Ingredients:

1 lb pizza dough
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp honey
1 pinch salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Shape the dough into knots and bake on a lined sheet for 12–15 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, crushed red pepper, cayenne, honey, and salt.

Remove knots from the oven and immediately toss them in the spicy butter mixture.

Let sit for 2 minutes to absorb the heat before serving.

───── ✦ ─────
6️⃣ Garlic Knots — Everything Bagel
Ingredients:

1 lb pizza dough
1 large egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water)
3 tbsp Everything Bagel seasoning
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Cut dough into strips and tie into knots; place on a baking sheet.

Brush each knot generously with the egg wash.

Sprinkle the Everything Bagel seasoning heavily over the top of each knot.

Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.

Brush lightly with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven for extra shine and flavor.

Friday, 6 February 2026

Double Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies



🍫 Double Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Makes about 18–24 cookies

🛒 Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1½ cups white chocolate chips
1 cup macadamia nuts, roughly chopped

🥣 Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream butter & sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs & vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.

Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in goodies
Stir in white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts.

Scoop
Drop 1½–2 tbsp dough per cookie onto prepared sheets, about 2 inches apart.

Bake
Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set but centers still soft.

Cool
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Tips
For extra gooey centers: slightly underbake.

For bakery-style cookies: chill dough 30 minutes before baking.

Want triple chocolate? Add ½ cup dark chocolate chunks too.

Potato Skins 6 Ways


1️⃣ Potato Skins — Classic Loaded

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub potatoes, pierce with a fork, and bake for 50-60 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly.

Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch attached to the skin.

Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Brush potato skins (inside and out) with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place skin-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake 5 more minutes.

Fill each skin evenly with cheddar cheese 

Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Top with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onions before serving.

───── ✦ ─────

2️⃣ Potato Skins — Chili Cheese

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups thick chili (canned or homemade), warmed
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake potatoes for 1 hour until tender.

Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers, leaving a thin rim of potato.

Increase oven to 425°F. Brush skins with oil and season with salt. Bake for 15 minutes to crisp, flipping halfway through.

Spoon warmed chili into each potato skin and top generously with shredded cheese.

Bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.

Garnish with diced red onion and sour cream.

───── ✦ ─────

3️⃣ Potato Skins — BBQ Pulled Beef

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes
2 tbsp canola oil
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups cooked pulled beef (shredded pot roast or brisket)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded Gouda or cheddar cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake scrubbed potatoes for about 60 minutes until soft.

Slice potatoes lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh.

Increase heat to 425°F. Brush skins with oil, salt them, and bake for 10-15 minutes until crisp.

In a bowl, mix the pulled beef with the BBQ sauce.

Fill the crispy skins with the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese.

Bake for 5-8 minutes until the cheese melts and the beef is hot. Garnish with parsley.

───── ✦ ─────

4️⃣ Potato Skins — Buffalo Chicken

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
1 celery stalk, finely diced

Instructions:

Bake potatoes at 400°F for 1 hour. Cool slightly, halve, and scoop out centers.

Turn oven to 425°F. Brush skins with melted butter and dust with garlic powder. Bake for 12 minutes to crisp.

Toss the shredded chicken in the buffalo wing sauce until coated.

Fill skins with the chicken and top with mozzarella cheese.

Bake for 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and sprinkle with diced celery.

───── ✦ ─────

5️⃣ Potato Skins — Taco-Style

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef, cooked with taco seasoning
1 1/2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese
1/2 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 tomato, diced
1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions:

Bake potatoes at 400°F for 60 minutes. Halve and scoop out the insides.

Increase heat to 425°F. Oil and salt the skins, then bake for 15 minutes to crisp them up.

Fill the hot skins with the cooked taco meat and top with the Mexican cheese.

Bake for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

Remove from oven and immediately top with cold lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.

───── ✦ ─────

6️⃣ Potato Skins — Garlic Parmesan

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Bake potatoes at 400°F for 1 hour until tender. Halve and scoop out the centers.

In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.

Brush the butter mixture generously over the inside and outside of the potato skins. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes.

Fill skins with mozzarella and top with the parmesan cheese.

Bake for another 5-8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley.