Garlic Broth

Garlic is an herb with remarkable medicinal properties - and it tastes great, too. It acts as a cardiovascular tonic, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels and inhibiting blood clotting. It's also a powerful germicide and may even protect against some carcinogens. The smell of garlic cooking has extremely positive associations - it's comforting and homey. If you eat garlic regularly (and with a good attitude), you won't smell of it. It's better for you in its natural state - raw or lightly cooked - rather than dried as powder or in capsules. Enjoy the smell, taste and healthful effects of the whole, fresh herb. Sip a warm mug of this flavorful broth as is or use it as a base for other soups.

Ingredients

8 cups vegetable stock
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 whole head garlic,
cloves peeled and coarsely chopped
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch dried sage
Salt to taste

1. To the vegetable stock, add the olive oil, bay leaf, garlic, thyme and sage.

2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add salt to taste.

3. Strain and serve.