ROASTED GARLIC WITH THYME

Slice whole heads of garlic in half horizontally through the middle; place on a baking tray cut side facing up. Drizzle generously with very good quality olive oil. Scatter fresh thyme leaves, sea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper over them. Cover with foil. Bake at 350°F. for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for a further 10 minutes or until the garlic starts to go golden brown. If you don’t see it browning, make a paste with the roasted garlic, store in a small jar and cover with olive oil. Great for pasta sauces.

Tips on how to save garlic for later use

Squash a few cloves into butter and mix with chopped herbs. Freeze for later use. Fill a small jar with peeled garlic cloves, cover with olive oil and store in the refrigerator.

GARLIC-RUBBED GRILLED CHEESE WITH BACON AND TOMATOES 

8 slices bacon

3 oz. (about 1¼ c.) grated Gruyère

3 oz. (about 1 c.) grated Fontina

2 Tbs. finely grated Parmigiano-Reggian...