Caramelized Garlic and Garlic Oil

I found this recipe in Peter Reinhart's book American Pie. Put the garlic on top of a pizza (try #186393) for a special treat or freeze/refrigerate it to use in other recipes. Save the oil for salads and sauces.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Yields: 150 cloves

Ingredients

• 10  heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• 1 1⁄2 cups olive oil

Directions

1. Arrange the garlic cloves in a frying pan large enough to accomodate them in a single layer.
2. Pour in the olive oil to cover the cloves, about 1 inch of oil.
3. Place over medium heat and cook for 10 to 15 minute Stir from time to time.
4. Garlic is done when it turns a beautiful golden brown.
5. Remove the pan from the heat.
6. Using a slotted spoon, place the cloves in a bowl to cool. Return any oil that collects at the bottom to the frying pan.
7. Once the garlic and oil have cooled, package the cloves in snack size freezer bags of 20 to 25 cloves.
8. Freeze any bags that won't be used in 3 days.
9. Transfer the garlic oil to a plastic container, cover and refrigerate. It will keep for several months.
10. Makes 150 cloves and 1 cup oil.
11. NOTE: You can make a smaller batch by simply adding the desired garlic to a frying pan and covering it with 1 inch oil.