Member Reviews

I grow garlic here on our farm so I was immediately drawn to the book. The photography is stunning. The recipes all look delicious and easy to follow. I also love the garlic powder & craft recipes - an interesting twist. I'm very familiar with the growing process. It was fascinating to read a "how to" from another farmer and go through the different tips and tricks. All the crafts is something I've never thought about doing. Thank you for that!

Was this review helpful?

I love this informative book about garlic.
It covers everything.
The pictures and recipes are fab also.
If you are a garlic lover. I definitely recommend!

Was this review helpful?

*I received a free eArc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Who knew there was so much information and different types of garlic out there? Certainly not me. But wow, there's a lot of different types of things to consider when using garlic in the kitchen. The book contained history, craft ideas, gardening tips, random tips about garlic scattered throughout. This book definitely gives you a lot of meat for your money. The photography is also insanely good, so everything in the book looks gorgeous and delicious. There are definitely going to be some garlic flowing in my kitchen after reading this cookbook. I have noted quite a few recipes in here that will be added to my food rotation, that I'm sure my family will love, too. The recipes are easy to follow and understand which I appreciate.

Was this review helpful?

This is a wonderful book about garlic. It starts with garlic's history and its importance in different cultures which I found very enjoyable to read. I loved the information on different varieties and the wonderful photos that go along with it.

Then we move on to the recipes.

First of all, I loved thatthe recipes were sorted into seasons to use all growth stages of garlic, not just the bulb. As a garlic fiend, there wasn't a single recipe I wouldn't eat (yes, even the honey and garlic sorbet). The recipes range from very simple to very creative and I really like that in a cookbook. There are many recipes that I am excited to try and some that have inspired me to be more adventurous (why have I not though of eating the garlic flowers before?). I loved that there were many recipes using black garlic because even though I love the taste of it, I usually don't do anything too fancy or exciting with it for some reason. So I am excited to experiment with these recipes.

The chapter on garlic-related crafts was really unexpected but so fun. I don't know if I have enough garlic obsessed people in my life to justify a garlic gathering but I might try incorporating some of the idead into my next barbecue party.

The garlic growing section was really exciting to read as well and I'll try all the advice on there the next growing season since my garlic harvests are usually not too exciting.

All in all, I loved this book both as a gardener and as someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen. And of course as an avid garlic lover.

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC!)

Was this review helpful?

Informative look at garlic
Ms. Graves covers types, planting, harvesting, recipes and some crafts made with garlic. Information on the plant parts along with recipes for parts I'd never thought of eating.Nicely illustrated and laid out.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same.

Was this review helpful?

Oh man, I love garlic in my food, but trying out all these receipts almost did a number on my stomach. Do not do what I did all at once. The house smelled amazing though.

Was this review helpful?

Everything you'd want to know about garlic, and more! With 36 delicious recipes (Black Garlic Chocolate Chip Cookies, Roasted Garlic and Honey Soup, Beer-Battered Zucchini Blossoms with Garlic Scape Filling), plus spice mixes, growing tips, even garlic-themed dinner parties. I'm buying one for my kitchen and all the cooks in the family!

Was this review helpful?

Garlic is one of my favorite ingredients and cooking so I was excited to read this ode to it. What I loved most about this book is that it wasn't just a cookbook. It also has history, crafts, information on growing, harvesting, and all the related good stuff. The recipes show a great range of how to incorporate garlic in simple elements all the way to desserts. I'll definitely be keeping this on my shelf to refer back to time and time again!

Was this review helpful?

There are some books that you read out of curiosity and want to reread forever. The Garlic Companion by Kristin Graves tops this category. It doesn’t matter whether you like garlic or its taste (or rather, its aftertaste) to enjoy this book. This book can truly convince you that you can make anything from garlic— from dessert to crown! Yes, literally anything! Anyone who has ever tried their hand at cooking, growing something, or who is just a foodie will definitely flip through this book until the end.
The book claims to cover ‘Recipes, Crafts, Preservation Techniques, and Simple Ways to Grow Your Own’—all about garlic. But the content is not limited to this concise statement. This book offers a whole new perspective that makes you wonder about the possible ways to learn about and indulge in what we eat. It excels not just in presentation and narration, but also in content. From the history of garlic, discussing its folklore, and diving into various recipes for cooking it, to growing and preserving it—every possible aspect of garlic is covered in this book. The author’s clarity with the content is so impressive that, with the help of pictures alone, she can teach you how to harvest garlic scapes.
The book is thoroughly researched, and the author’s personal experience with garlic is evident from the beginning. The photography is also a crucial part of this book and contributes significantly. The editor, art director, and food stylist have done their jobs exceptionally well. In the end, it is the publisher who is responsible for bringing this content to the audience.
The Garlic Companion by Kristin Graves can satisfy all your senses! You can almost hear the sound of peeling garlic, and the pictures in the book will make you feel as if you are smelling garlic, with a mouth-watering urge to try its recipes. I would give five out of five stars to this book, which it rightfully deserves.

Was this review helpful?

An ode to garlic in all its forms, this beautiful book will not only give you recipes with pungent bulbs or scapes but also teach you how to grow and harvest garlic, how to braid and preserve it, and even how to make a flower garlic crown out of it.
I love garlic and, as the book suggests, use my heart to measure it. I went to a Garlic Fest in Wellington, FL, in February and met two garlic farmers from Groton, NY, where my husband grew up. I found it funny that they had a garlic variety called "Chesnok," which means "garlic" in my native Russian. (So, it is Garlic garlic.)
We ended up talking for a while, finding other connections, and I bought their garlic. It was $17 for about 6-7 large heads, and I thought it was expensive. It was the best garlic I have ever had. I just cut up the last bulb tonight, many months after the fest, and wish I had more.
I even asked my husband to go to the farm while he was upstate last week, but they won't harvest until August. All of this to say - fresh garlic IS much better and I was reading this gorgeously illustrated and narrated book with deep appreciation in my heart for the garlic farmers.

The recipes are wonderful, the ways to use garlic in other ways are plentiful, and I appreciated the family story and a bit of the history of garlic. I also finally got down the varieties - Chesnok among them.

I received an electronic version of this book ahead of publication in exchange for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Kristen Graves.

The book is out on September 17.

Was this review helpful?

"The Garlic Companion" by Kristin Graves is a delightful and informative guide for garlic enthusiasts. This beautifully presented book offers a comprehensive look at everything garlic, from recipes to crafts to growing tips, making it a versatile addition to any home library.

The photos in the book are stunning, with vibrant images that bring the text to life and make every page a visual treat. The layout is well-organized and easy to follow, ensuring that readers can quickly find the information they need. It's a pleasure to read, with clear, concise instructions and engaging content.

While I initially expected a traditional cookbook, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of content. In addition to mouthwatering recipes, the book includes home decor ideas, crafts (like a charming garlic crown), and detailed preservation techniques. The diversity of topics covered ensures there's something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned cook, a DIY enthusiast, or simply a garlic lover.

One of the highlights is the section on growing your own garlic. Although I don't plan on cultivating garlic myself, the book makes the process seem straightforward and accessible. Graves provides practical tips and step-by-step instructions that demystify the process and encourage readers to give it a try.

Overall, "The Garlic Companion" is an enjoyable and educational read that goes beyond the typical cookbook. Its beautiful photos, well-structured layout, and diverse content make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the many uses of garlic. Highly recommended for garlic aficionados and curious readers alike!

Was this review helpful?

Wow, I never knew garlic could be so fascinating! "Garlic: The Hidden Wonders" completely blew my mind. This book is a treasure trove of garlic goodness, packed with a bounty of interesting facts and creative ways to incorporate garlic into your meals. From the health benefits to the many varieties I never even knew existed, this book has turned me into a garlic aficionado. If you think you know garlic, think again! You'll be amazed at how much there is to learn and love about this humble bulb.

If you're a foodie and culinary enthusiast, this book is an absolute must-read! It's brimming with inspiration and mouth-watering ideas that will take your cooking to the next level. I had no idea garlic could be so versatile and flavorful in so many dishes. Each page is a delightful journey into the world of garlic, and I couldn't put it down. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Grab a copy and let the garlic adventures begin!

Was this review helpful?

This book is for you if you love garlic as much as I do.

You'll literally learn everything about garlic from it's history, how to harvest garlic, how to entertain for a garlic gathering (yup! quirky and cute) and OF COURSE incredible recipes using this wonderful ingredient.

Such a fun and cool book!

Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storey Publishing and Kristin Graves for giving me an ARC of this amazing book!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is a wonderful guide about everything garlic including history, recipes, craft, preserving & pickling, and growing one’s own. I was expecting this to be more of a cookbook, but was glad to learn about different varieties of garlic and its history. Overall, I’m glad for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

The Garlic Companion was a great book that gave a lot of information about garlic. Who knew it was so beneficial to a person?! I loved the recipes and ideas the author gave and would recommend this book to any person who loves garlic!

Was this review helpful?

If you are a garlic lover pick up this book. This all encompassing book on garlic. The reader gets a bit on the life of the author((what drove her to farm garlic), the types of garlic, growing, preserving and recipes to enjoy the fruits of your labor. This book is packed full of information as well as delightful photos that brings the writing to life. The medicinal properties of garlic and a bit of its history. The book is a must have for the garlic lover.

Thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author.

Was this review helpful?

I love garlic so much so I was really excited to read The Garlic Companion! The book started out with a ton of interesting information about the history of garlic and the different varieties. The book had different sections for cooking with fresh garlic, roasted garlic, black garlic, garlic scapes, etc. There were a ton of great classic recipes and some more unique recipes. I’m particularly excited to try out the Black Garlic and Caramel Cheesecakes!

The book ended with chapters devoted to using garlic plants in crafts and growing and cultivating your own garlic at home! The Garlic Companion is the ultimate book for garlic lovers!

Was this review helpful?

What a beautiful book!

The first thing that struck me about this book was the gorgeous photography. Almost every page has lovely photos, which alongside the friendly writing style, makes this a cosy read. The author is a garlic farmer, and obviously very knowledgeable, but the tone of the book and the way the information is imparted is conversational and easy to read.

The section on the history of garlic was interesting, especially the folklore surrounding it. The book also touches on the health benefits of garlic.

The recipe section is great - so many recipes for using garlic in a variety of different ways. Highlights for me are the roasted garlic and nasturtium cheeseball (I'll be making that for my next dinner party!), roasted garlic flowers, and the intriguing recipe for black garlic chocolate chip cookies.

There's a chapter on crafts, with some nice ideas - the harvest wreath appealed to me, and there may be one gracing my front door this year. The talk about garlic events was interesting - I'd never considered that these exist, and now I'm on a mission to convince my husband to go to a garlic festival with me.

The final chapters were on growing, harvesting and preserving your own garlic. These chapters are full of useful information and tips, including tips on companion planting and how to make a pest repellent using garlic and mint.

I absolutely love this book. It would make a stunning gift, or a great addition to your own bookshelf.

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for sending me an advance copy to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely love everything about this book! I want anything and everything on garlic when it comes to food and this book has all the elements about the best food ingredient there is. Tips, notes, general info, deep dive info, and best of all - the recipes. I've bookmarked so many things browsing through the recipes, and still am so excited to read additional info about garlic itself. I can't rave enough about this cookbook. And the pictures, love love love! So mouth-watering, so beautifully laid out and the recipes are easy to read and follow. There are definitely some intimidating recipes (looking at you, Garlic Scapes) but the simple styles and beautiful pictures make you want to jump out of your comfort zone and try making it. First for me to try is the Roasted Garlic Scape and Tomato Soup. Omg - I need it now. This cookbook is worth the splurge for sure.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this fabulous and informative cookbook. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed The Garlic Companion by Kristin Graves. This is a gorgeous book with stunning photography and lots of great information on garlic...everything from garlic's history to various methods and tips for planting, harvesting, preserving, cooking, and even creating crafts with this wonderful root vegetable., all from a knowledgeable 5th generation farmer that has fallen in love with and chosen to specialize in garlic.

With a ton of information and invaluable tips, I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to try their hand at growing & harvesting their own garlic because, at it's root, that's what this book is really about. Yes, there are some recipes: 37 total for foods prepared with fresh garlic, roasted garlic, garlic scapes, and black garlic; plus 1 for a natural repellant with garlic and mint, and 2 for preserving garlic (1 for dehydrating and 1 for freezing). And although some of these recipes are very creative and interesting (Roasted Garlic and Honey Sorbet, Honey-Garlic Ribs, Black Garlic-Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Black Garlic and Caramel Mini Cheesecakes, to name a few), most are more basic. Also, with a total of around 40 recipes, I would not consider this a cookbook as much as I would categorize it primarily as gardening or agricultural content. That being said, it is a beautiful book with valuable information for anyone wishing to grow, harvest, preserve and enjoy their own crop of garlic, however small or large that may be,

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to receive the electronic ARC of The Garlic Companion in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?