Think Spice...Think Garlic

I am getting ready for a trip to the jungle next week and am looking for ways to protect myself from the mosquitoes and other biting insects. You know how bugs in general are attracted to light? Yeah, well my white skin seems to be like light for them.

Last year, I was trying to snap a self portrait and every time I put my arm up to take a picture the bugs would surround it instantly! Almost every photo turned out with a frustrated, pained look on my face. During the last trip in December, I came back with scars around my ankles from the multitude of bug bites.

I leave again soon for another part of the jungle. Deep jungle with lots of bugs. I have found that with double protection (vitamin B and garlic!) I am typically much better off. Garlic has been found to act as an insect repellent when taken on a regular basis before and during a trip.

Broccoli with Toasted Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes
From Cooking Light. Serves 4.

2 teaspoons of olive oil
6 cups of broccoli florets (about 1 head)
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more!)
6 garlic cloves of garlic, thinly sliced (or more!)
1/4 cup of water

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add broccoli, kosher salt, crushed red pepper and sliced garlic. Saute 2 minutes. Add water. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 2 minutes or until broccoli is crisp tender.

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This entry goes to Sunita of Sunita’s World for this month’s spice event, “Think Spice…Think Garlic.”