Contributed by Info Guru Paul Seaburn

Garlic – it’s bad for demons, werewolves and vampires but good for meats, pasta, vegetables and many other foods.

Not only that, many believe garlic can prevent heart disease, high cholesterol and certain types of cancer. Garlic lovers will love these dishes, health nuts will feel better after eating them and vampires … who cares? Don’t let garlic breath keep you from trying these garlic lovers recipes – try a little parsley or lemon juice after eating.

10. Garlic Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees and spray a light coating of cooking spray on a large nonstick baking sheet. Quarter two baking potatoes lengthwise, then slice the quarters into 1/4-inch pieces. Spread the pieces out on the baking sheet and brush all sides with 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Sprinkle the pieces with 1 tsp crushed dried rosemary and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Bake for 15 minutes, turning the pieces over after 8 minutes. After removing the tray from the oven, place the potatoes on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot.

9. Garlic Fried Rice

Follow package directions to cook four cups of white or brown rice. Cool and refrigerate overnight. In a nonstick frying pan, heat 4 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Finely crush one head of garlic and cook in the oil until brown and fragrant. Separate the rice and add it to the garlic. Stir the rice until hot and well-coated with the oil and garlic. Season with salt to taste and serve.

8. Garlic Pasta & Peas Salad

Cook one pound of elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta and pour into large bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups peas (fresh or frozen), 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil, 2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 Tbsp dried oregano, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese, 2/3 cup 2% milk and 2/3 cup mayonnaise. Mix ingredients well, cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or more until chilled. Use gourmet pasta to make this a special occasion dish to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or holiday.

7. Garlic Grilled Corn

Heat an outdoor grill to high heat. Husk 4 ears of corn and place two each on two sheets of aluminum foil big enough to wrap them completely. Place 1 tsp butter, 1 tsp garlic powder and 2 tsp minced garlic on top of the corn in each package. Season with salt and pepper to taste and wrap the double ears tightly with the foil. Cook on the hot grill for 10 minutes, then turn each package and cook for another 12 minutes. Open and serve.

6. Garlic Potato Leek Soup

Peel 1 1/2 lb. Yukon gold potatoes and cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Place potatoes in a large sauce pot or soup pot. Add to the pot 2 sliced medium leeks, 2 diced medium carrots, 2 minced garlic cloves and 4 cups chicken broth. Stir and heat to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in 1 cup light cream and 1 cup packed fresh baby spinach. Heat thoroughly and serve in bowls.

5. Garlic Chicken

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Coat a 13-by-9 baking dish with vegetable oil. Place in a large resealable plastic bag 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs, 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper. Seal bag and shake until thoroughly mixed. In a shallow bowl, pour 1/4 cup milk. One at a time, dip 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves into the milk, then shake each in the bag of crumb mixture until coated. Place each piece of chicken in the baking dish. Melt 1/4 cup butter and pour into a small bowl. Add 1 clove minced garlic and 2 Tbsp lemon juice and stir. Drizzle the butter mix over the chicken, then sprinkle with paprika. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the juices run clear.

4. Cheesy Garlic Rigatoni

Cook 1 cup rigatoni pasta according to package directions. Drain noodles and place in sauce pan over low heat. Add 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 oz. shredded Colby Jack cheese, 1/2 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 slice American cheese and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Stir constantly until the pasta and cheeses are melted well mixed.

3. Garlic Bread

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mince 16 cloves of garlic or enough to make 8 Tbsp. Cut one loaf of Italian bread diagonally into 1 inch thick slices (about 12). Place the slices in a baking pan and drizzle 2 tsp of olive oil on each one. Spread each slice with a 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic. Place the pan on the middle shelf of the oven and bake uncovered for 7 to 8 minutes until the edges are crunchy. Serve immediately.

2. Garlic Turkey Burgers

Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat. In a bowl, mix together 1 lb. ground turkey, 1 1-oz. pkg. ranch dressing mix, 1 egg, 3 cloves minced garlic and 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Dived the meat mix into four balls and flatten into patties. Cook on the grill for 5 minutes per side or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F. Serve on buns with your favorite condiments.

1. Garlic Pork Chops

Combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup honey, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp dry sherry and 2 minced garlic cloves in a heavy sealable plastic bag. Add 4 boneless 1-inch thick pork chops to the bag and coat with the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate the chops for at least four hours or overnight. Preheat outdoor grill to medium hot. Take the chops out of the bag, saving the marinade. Grill the chops for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once and basting frequently with the marinade. Toss out any leftover marinade and serve the chops hot.