PICKLED GARLIC (Gerry Melotik)

6 heads garlic
4 c. white wine vinegar
4 T. sugar
1 t. whole black peppercorns
4 whole cloves
2 small dried chile peppers
1 dried bay leaf
rind of 1 lemon

Trim the garlic heads, leaving the stem intact and peeling off all but 1 layer of papery skin; set aside. Combine vinegar, sugar, peppercorns, cloves, peppers, bay leaf and lemon rind in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat; boil 2 minutes longer. Add garlic and boil 4 minutes. Remove from heat and cover. Refrigerate overnight. Garlic may be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month.

July, 2003, Menu Minder