Thursday, April 30, 2009

Debaters Dish: The Rush for Garlic Gold and your chance to strike it RICH!!!!

*** WARNING: Reading this post may make you drool. But don't run off and get a towel! Stick with it through the end for a fabulous contest that you won't want to miss!!! Oh but don't drool over the keyboard, okay? ***


When we travel for debate, we sometimes stay at hotels with kitchens. It is during those lucky weekends that the team gets to bond during meal time, preparing great eats and making fabulous memories.

This weekend I brought along a couple of delicious seasonings from Garlic Gold. This all organic company has some of the best employment practices a company can have which is something I respect in a business these days. It also amazed me to learn that this company got started with an 8th grade economics project! But in addition to being such a wonderful company, the folks at Seven Oaks Ranch also produce delicious garlic goodness. From garlic oil to dressing to delicious garlic nuggets, Garlic Gold has captured the hearts of garlic lovers, including this debate coach and Emeril Lagasse whose blog called Garlic Gold the "gold standard!"

With all of the concerns over various germs that are making their way across the globe, traveling across the country means I am focusing on ways to keep my debaters healthy. This means cooking delicious foods loaded with antioxidants. The Connecticut Center for Health reports that garlic has been found to be useful against a number of ailments. Which meant that garlic would be a key component of our meal tonight through the application of Garlic Gold's new seasoning Nuggets.

We decided on grilled chicken with Italian Herb Garlic Nuggets, roasted potatoes with Parmesan Garlic Nuggets, and a salad of baby romaine. However, after a long night of travel, it wouldn't be fair to have just one person do all of the cooking which meant that all of the debaters helped make dinner. So here are the instructions for a delicious, teen friendly meal utilizing a community and health friendly product.

What you will need to duplicate the Debaters Dish dinner:

20 oz raw boneless skinless chicken breast tenders
1 lb baby yellow potatoes
Garlic Gold Parmesan Nuggets
Garlic Gold Italian Herb Nuggets
4 tsp olive oil, divided
1 lb baby romaine lettuce
dressing of your choice

Start by preheating the oven to 475 degrees. Wash the potatoes and halve them. This was Kelsey's job. She was very cautious with the knife and is one of our team captains, so we trusted her with this responsibility.


The next step is to toss the potatoes in olive oil and Garlic Gold Parmesan Nugget seasoning. Justine had to do this in several steps because we were limited on kitchen equipment. She found using a sandwich bag made it easier to coat the potatoes. You will need two teaspoons of oil to coat the potatoes. The amount of seasoning is up to you!


Justine layered the potatoes out on a roasting pan and decided there just wasn't enough of the Garlic Gold Parmesan Nuggets, so she sprinkled a bit more on before placing the potatoes in the oven. The potatoes will need 20 to 30 minutes to roast, stirring halfway through to guarantee even roasting.


Once the potatoes were in the oven, Kaavya got started on the chicken. As one of our seniors, Kaavya will be heading off to college soon and wanted to get her hands dirty by prepping the main course. I stand to be corrected, but this may have been Kaavya's first attempt at cooking chicken on the storetop? She started by pouring one teaspoon of olive oil in the pan and bringing it to medium high heat. While you could use cooking spray to reduce the calories, my students can tell you how important healthy oils are for you. Additionally, our frying pan was not of the best quality and needed the extra lubricant to aide the cooking process. When the oil hated up, Kaavya added half the chicken tenders.


The chicken was seasoned with the Garlic Gold Italian Herb Nuggets and turned several times to allow for even and complete cooking. Kaavya had fun making sure the chicken was seasoned and cooked through.


Remember when I said that the debaters and I were in love with Garlic Gold? And how cooking together creates stories we will tell again? Well Kaavya enjoyed seasoning the chicken, but with extra seasoning beginning to blacken on the bottom of the pan...


The smoke detector went off!!!! The entire team jumped to action after ensuring that the chicken wasn't burning (it wasn't!). From opening the front door to fanning the detector and turning on the vent to opening the windows...


Speaking of windows. Apparently they pop out? They luckily also pop back in... but for a short period of time while the kitchen was airing out, we were worried!

[Thanks for the tip from a seasoned Garlic Gold veteran: "I've cooked a lot of recipes with Garlic Gold, and just be careful not to put the nuggets into high heat conditions for very long... They are already fully cooked and so can burn during pan frying (which is probably why the alarm went off). Better to put on during last 3-4 minutes of cooking." While our dinner was delicious, this would also probably make the flavors POP even more!!!]

While Kaavya finished cooking the chicken, Raghav prepped the lettuce by giving it a good wash. Although packaged lettuce looks clean, you still want to wash it to ensure not germs hopped on in transit.


We then sat down to enjoy a fabulous meal, pictured below. Not to be outdone, Mohit hopped up after dinner to wash up the dishes! Not having to cook AND clean the kitchen is one of the highlights of preparing dinner as a team.


What did I do? Supervised and ate of course! As well as wrote up this review :-)

Chicken and Potatoes (1/5 of recipe): 262 calories/6.5 grams of fat/1.4 grams of fiber/29 grams of protein

Garlic Gold Parmesan Nuggets, per tsp: 10 calories/.9 grams of fat/0 grams of fiber/.8 grams of protein
Ingredients: Organic Garlic, chopped and toasted to CRUNCHY perfection in Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Parmesan Cheese

Garlic Gold Italian Herb Nuggets, per tsp: 4 calories/.4 grams of fat/0 grams of fiber/.2 grams of protein
Ingredients: Organic Garlic, chopped and toasted to CRUNCHY perfection in Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil,blended with a proprietary blend of Organic Italian seasonings

Garlic Gold is available online but also in over 4,000 stores across the country. If you need help locating a store near you, contact the fine folks at Garlic Gold and they can direct you to the loot!

*** Remember when I said you shouldn't leave your seat? Here's your chance to score a fabulous gift pack and 1 ounce samples of Garlic Gold Seasoning Nuggets courtesy of Brian and the Garlic Gold family! ***


Garlic Gold is offering one lucky Uncovering Food reader a chance to own their own Garlic Gold. The prize package will include this gift basket above (which is available for purchase at their online store), as well as one ounce samples of their new flavors of Nuggets (Sea Salt, Italian Herb, and Parmesan). The gift basket description: "The perfect combination for the garlic lover in your family--a bottle of Garlic Gold, 3.75 oz, crunchy Garlic Gold Nuggets and our own Garlic Gold Oil, the besting tasting garlic infused organic extra-virgin olive oil. Attractively packaged and ready to give as a gift. Or, treat yourself!"

How can you win? Read through the contest rules completely before leaving your comment. Comments that do not meet the rules will not be counted.

1. Visit Garlic Gold's Web site and choosing one of their products, post a comment with a recipe you'd like to try that utilizes this golden garlic ingredient. It does not have to be a recipe on their site... get creative and come up with your own use for Garlic Gold! This comment must be left before additional entries will be counted.

2. Post about Garlic Gold and this contest on your blog. Post link or let me know you linked back on this post.

3. Sign up for the Garlic Gold newsletter (it includes discounts and subscriber only specials!). Leave a comment letting me know you are now subscribed!

4. Become an Uncovering Food follower. If you have already done this, or when you do this, leave a comment here.

Entries will close May 10th at 11:59pm PST. Good luck getting in on this Garlic Gold Rush!

39 comments:

Zara said...

OMG, I found this recipe on their site and I reeeeeeeeally want to try it. Now I have the WORST craving for Bruschetta. Thanks alot, CG! :P

Garlic Gold® and Bruschetta Panini

Ingredients:

* 1 lb. ripe Roma tomatoes
* 1/2 cup finely chopped basil leaves
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
* 1/4 cup Garlic Gold® Oil
* 1/2 cup Garlic Gold® Nuggets
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 loaf focaccia bread w/ rosemary

Slice, deseed and cut tomatoes into quarter-inch dice, placing in large plastic bowl. Add basil, Parmesan, Garlic Gold® Oil, and salt and pepper. Allow mixture to stand in refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Halve focaccia loaf, and broil or grill until golden brown on both sides. Brush each piece of bread with Garlic Gold® Oil. Divide the tomato mixture evenly among the bread slices. Top each panini with 1 Tbs. Garlic Gold® Nuggets. Garnish with basil sprig. Serves 6 people.

Zara said...

I'm already a follower. ;)

Zara said...

I signed up for the newsletter!

And I posted your contest on my BLOG:

http://crazymom-zara.blogspot.com/2009/04/contest-over-at-uncovering-food.html

The Blonde Duck said...

That looks great! I can't believe the smoke alarm went off!

Anonymous said...

Dinner looks great and the garlic gold product looks neat - will go check out their site!

Leslie said...

I am a follower.
I would love to try the Cesar or Zesty Ranch dressings. They would also be awesome marinades I am sure. I am in a 'dressing funk' and I have the same one EVERY DAY and I am just so bored with it. Help me Garlic Gold!

Also, I have a giveaway on my blog, check it out:

http://lovejackson.blogspot.com/2009/04/glee-gum-giveaway.html

mub said...

I'd love to try the Oven-Fried Fish with Garlic Gold! YUM.

http://www.garlicgold.com/index.php?id=76

mub said...

I'm a follower!

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

I am drooling over the artichoke bowl with garlic gold. Yummy!!

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

I am a follower too. Here is the link to the recipe from the Garlic Gold website,
http://www.garlicgold.com/index.php?id=16

Christo Gonzales said...

at least the fire department didnt show up- it adds 'spice'

Carolyn G said...

I want to try the Garlic Gold® Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette. I would love to use this to marinade chicken and then grill it up. I would also marinade some veggies in this vinagrette and grill them up. But any of these products would be great to cook with. YUMMO

Carolyn G said...

I subscribed to their newsletter. Thanks for turning us on to these products!

Anonymous said...

I've cooked a lot of recipes with Garlic Gold, and just be careful not to put the nuggets into high heat conditions for very long... They are already fully cooked and so can burn during pan frying (which is probably why the alarm went off). Better to put on during last 3-4 minutes of cooking.

C.G. the Foodie said...

doggybloggy: we are just thankful it didn't set off the alarm for the entire hotel... oops!

anonymous: that makes total sense!!! I have had them on popcorn and over salad and didn't think about the fact the garlic was already roasted. Great advice and I will update accordingly!

Carolyn Jung said...

I can't tell you how many times I've had the smoke alarm sound when I'm cooking. The most memorable was when we were cooking the high-heat method of turkey roasting for Thanksgiving. Right before the guests were to arrive, the smoke alarm sounded screeching. Good thing my husband is used to springing into action. He stuck an electric fan right under the smoke alarm. And darned if that didn't do the trick, and fast, too. My guests arrived not knowing what they had just missed.

Anne said...

I'd take the Garlic Gold® Sea Salt Nuggets and use it to season roasted veggies, such as brussels sprouts, green beans, and asparagus. Yum!

Anne said...

I subscribed to their newsletter

Anne said...

I'm also a follower of your blog. Thanks for the great giveaway!

Rajee said...

I love garlic gold oil as it has great flavor to cook more recipes. It'll taste best with my recipes in
http://exotickitchen.blogspot.com/2008/10/legumes.html
rajikarthik@hotmail.com

Amy L said...

I am a Garlic Bread Fanatic! This is the recipe I want to try, and it couldn't be easier.

Tuscan Style Garlic Gold® Bread
Ingredients:

2 three-quarter inch thick pieces of the best country Italian or sourdough bread that you can buy (don't skimp here, the quality of the bread is critical) for each person.
Toast the bread with the plain side down over a medium flame. Apply Garlic Gold® liberally (saturate the bread without actually seeping through heavily) to the top surface of bread. When bread is toasted on bottom, flip over gently so that Garlic Gold® Nugget don't fall off too badly. Leave for only a minute or so. When flames start to crisp the bread, remove, slice into wide strips and serve.

Extra special topping:

For those who love bruschetta, add a mixture of chopped fresh tomatoes, mixed with julienned basil that has been marinated in Garlic Gold® Oil for several hours and left covered in the refrigerator. Use approximately 1 tablespoon of oil and one basil leaf for each small tomato. Spoon tomato mixture liberally over the cooked bread just before slicing.

Mmmmmmm....

Michelle said...

I am somewhat of a garlic snob -- no jarred garlic stuff for me :) -- but the garlic gold nuggets are intriguing. I'd probably totally fake a pesto with this one to go over some ravioli...

Heat 1-2 T of olive oil.

Add 1/2 t or so of the nuggets (I'd have to see, but there's almost no such thing as too much!)

Cook for a few moments. Just a bare few.

Add 1 t of the frozen Trader Joe's basil (I love love love this idea)

Salt and pepper to taste...

And voila, serve over the ravioli! :)

Michelle said...

Oh yeah, and I follow your blog, too :)

hsullivan66 said...

This stuff sounds great, I love things that help me toss a dinner together quickly.

I like the sound of the Garlic Gold Couscous salad (http://www.garlicgold.com/index.php?id=71), I think it would be perfect for lunches at work. I love Sun Dried tomatoes.

Any you know I am already a follower of your blog.

Hornsfan said...

Great contest and delish food! You've got some lucky debaters!

Anonymous said...

I would love to try the Caesar Salad Dressing. Yum! I also think the NEW Garlic Gold® Couscous Salad looks great!

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked, chopped)
1 cup couscous, using Garlic Gold® Oil to replace butter in cooking (cooked, cooled)
Yellow curry sauce (to taste)
1/2 jar Garlic Gold® Sun Dried Tomatoes (chopped)
1/2 cup celery (chopped)
1 large apple (peeled and chopped)

Combine ingredients. Chill and mix well before serving.

Thanks for the great giveaway!

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Brenda Campbell said...

I found you off of Sweets Foods blog and now I am following you, I am glad that I found this site, very nicely done!

Brenda Campbell said...

I have subscribed to the newsletter. I love anything that has to do with garlic and oils.

Brenda Campbell said...

Ok sorry I did this backwards... I want to try the
Garlic Gold® Creamy Herb Basil and I think it would be awesome to soak some chicken in it and grill it. Or salad dressing for a spinach salad. The recipe I like on their site is

NEW Garlic Gold® Creamy Herb Basil Chicken Salad

Cost per serving: $1.30

Ingredients:

* 2 large bone-in chicken breasts (about 3 pounds total)
* 1 Tablespoon Garlic Gold®
* Sea Salt
* 2 ribs celery, finely diced (optional)
* ¾ cup Garlic Gold® Creamy Herb Basil or Garlic Gold® Zesty Ranch Dressing
* 1 loaf your favorite multi-grain bread (you will need 16 slices total)
* 32 romaine lettuce leaves (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Set chicken breasts on medium sized casserole dish and rub with Garlic Gold®. Sprinkle chicken breasts with sea salt. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until thickest part of chicken breasts, when cut into, is no longer pink. Allow to cool; remove skin and bone; and shred chicken into small pieces.

Add celery and Garlic Gold® Dressing to cooked chicken and mix well. Serve on multi-grain bread with 2 romaine lettuce leaves per sandwich. Serves 8

This looks awesome!!

Mimi said...

NEW Garlic Gold® Meyer Lemon Potatoes is the recipe I would try using the Garlic Gold Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette & the Garlic Gold Oil.

Rachel said...

I would LOVE to try the pan seared garlic scallops! It calls for both the Garlic Gold Oil and the Garlic Gold Nuggets.

http://www.garlicgold.com/index.php?id=21

Rachel said...

Visiting from SITS...love your blog and am now a follower :)

Rachel said...

I signed up for the newsletter, as well!

Suburban prep said...

I love the potato casserole and also the Spinach Strata for Brunch recipes. I love love garlic.

Suburban prep said...

I signed up for the newsletter.

Anonymous said...

Garlic Gold® Creamy Herb Basil Chicken Salad!

Caitlin said...

I would just adore the parmesan garlic nuggets in delicious pop-overs. Their garlicky and parmesany goodness would perfectly compliment the cheesy warmth in the savory baked goods.

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Disclaimer:

I get asked by readers if I am being paid to push products. The simple answer is no. In fact, most of the products I write about are ones I have found and purchased during my trips to the grocery store or on the road. Occasionally, a company will send a sample my way and if I believe the product will serve a need for my readers and I would buy the product myself, then I will share it with you. Sometimes I will write to a company after reading about it, if I believe it will help us lead healthier lifestyles. But even then, if the product doesn't pass my scrutiny, it won't make the screen of Uncovering Food. You can trust that every product or recipe posted here has passed through my lips, and that I wouldn't blog about it if it wasn't worthy of you... my favorite readers.