Holiday Gifts: Garlic Confit

Here's a lovely homemade gift for the foodie in your life.  The garlic is delicious spread on bread or slipped under chicken skin before roasting.  The flavored oil can be drizzled over steamed vegetables or used as the base for a flavoful vinaigrette.  Make sure you let the recipient know all this when you label it.  Pair it with a loaf of good bread and/or a bottle of rich Pinot Gris.

Oh...and make enough to keep in your own pantry as well.  It can be refrigerated up to 4 months.

Garlic Confit
Makes about 3 cups.

2 cups peeled garlic cloves (about 6 heads)
6 thyme sprigs
3 bay leaves
3 dried red chiles
2 cups olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and simmer over very low heat until the garlic is tender about 30 minutes.  Watch carefully and do NOT let the garlic brown.

Let cool and transfer to three 1/2 pint canning jars, distributing garlic, spices and oil equally.  Seal and refrigerate for up to 4 months.