No garlic !!! ha ha
I'm glad it turned out well in the end.
I also like going by an original recipe to the letter the first time. How else dose anyone know what it really tastes like? Then like you, if it's mostly good, I can add whatever I think will make it better next time if it needs something.
I see that all the time in online comments where people will say they tried a recipe only they changed this, added that.... etc. I humorously think to myself "no... you didn't really try THIS recipe now did you?"