Garlic is usually known to repel kisses, not encourage them. But lore has it that garlic is actually an aphrodisiac. On Sept. 8 and 9, the herb is getting some love of its own when the North Union Farmers Market hosts its third annual Cleveland Garlic Festival. What began as a fundraiser for the market has become a showcase for all things garlic, including this trio of unusual creations.
Garlic beer
This year, the festival has a garlic beer competition. A handful of local home-brewers' concoctions will be judged by a panel and sipped by attendees. "Beer is a wonderful medium for garlic," says Donita Anderson, executive director of North Union Farmers Market.
Garlic ice cream
Not your ordinary summer treat, Mitchell's roasted garlic pink peppercorn ice cream will makes its second appearance at the festival. "Peppercorn balances the garlic so it's still sweet," says Pete Mitchell, co-owner of Mitchell's Ice Cream.
Roasted garlic jelly
Crooked Creek Farms created this spread three years ago. "Our recipe is based on the fact that you roast the garlic before making the jelly," says co-owner Martha Sears. Try it with cream cheese and crackers or as a glaze for grilling chicken and pork.
