I just started to grow French tarragon this summer, and I have a big pot full. I only have it in a pot, but it is lovely. Any uses, recipes, ideas? I plan on bringing it in for the winter, like all of my other babies.Thanks.
Should I Salt Meat Before or After Cooking?
Do you salt meat before it's cooked or after? I heard salting before or while cooking made meat tougher and not as juicy?
Looking for an Herb and Spice Chart
I would like to find an herb and spice chart.
Use Onion Soup Mix for Seasoning
Keep packages of French onion dip or onion soup mix in your pantry. For flavor enhancement, sprinkle a tablespoon into homemade macaroni and cheese, cooked vegetables, or add to meat when making meatloaf or hamburger patties.
I always have so much basil in my garden and it can turn black so fast. Here's what I do to have that garden-fresh basil flavor all year. I put fresh, cleaned basil leaves in the blender with just enough water to blend it to a thickened paste.
Copy Herb and Spice Mixes at Home
I make almost all of my own spice, herb, and salad dressing mixes I read the ingredients on the label and reproduce it without all of the unpronounceable names added, I start out with a small batch to get a taste match as close as possible to the original product.
What Can You Do With Leftover Herbs?
I love fresh herbs, garden grown and store bought, but I DO NOT like having to waste what isn't used. So this is what I do after cleaning and separating what is necessary for the recipe.
Always store spices in a cool, dry, dark place. The rule of thumb for how long spices stay fresh is: 3 to 4 years for whole spices and seeds, 2 to 3 years for ground spices, 1 to 3 years for leafy herbs, and 1 to 2 years for seasoning blends.
Use Onion Powder on Individual Servings
Since I am the only person in my family that likes onions in my food, I use the dried onion powder in the spice section and sprinkle it on my food only. You could use this to save on the cost of buying onions.
Soothing Effects of Lemon Balm Tea
When I first was given a start of lemon balm, I had no idea what to do with it! The second season, I was pretty wary because it had spread over a large area. It spreads by seeds and maybe by runners underground.
Control Taco Seasoning With Shaker
In a hurry to make taco meat for supper? I bought Old El Paso Taco Seasoning in a shaker (instead of a bag) and used what I thought would be good. I added Old El Paso mild salsa and a little bit of garlic salt. It was wonderful!
What is the Best Temperature for Storing Herbs?
What is the ideal temperature for storing the herbs?
Colored Salts For Better Health
For salt lovers, healthy salt is a dream come true. It has minerals in it. Look for more colors in your salt and stay away from white (pure white) bleached varieties.
Product Review: Baldridge Seasoning
We have used this spice for 20 years and would be lost without it. It is the greatest on meats. Makes popcorn a real treat for a change of flavor.
Rather than buying skewers I use branches off of my rosemary bush. I use a knife to put a point on the branch and "thread" on onions, pineapple, chunks of chicken and bell peppers. The taste imparted when put on the barbecue is heavenly.
Store spice jars upside down so air cannot get into the bottles. Spices last so much longer when stored this way. This also works for any jarred or bottled food whether stored in your cupboard or fridge.
Make Pesto From Different Herbs
I know pesto is traditionally basil, thyme, etc. mixed with olive oil. But the other week I had some parsley and cilantro that I knew was going to go bad by the end of the week.
For your cilantro to last longer, put them with the roots in a cup or container of tap water and leave it on the kitchen window sill.
Keeping Cilantro (Coriander) Fresh
Any tips about how to keep cilantro fresh and crisp? I try to dry it and it becomes damaged, then smelly and mushy. If I leave it alone (moist), it gets smelly and mushy. I've tried green bags, paper towels, leaving the container open in the fridge to pull moisture out...
Is it safe to keep garlic cloves in olive oil, if refrigerated?
Most herbs dry easily, and if properly preserved, will retain their flavor and aroma long enough to carry you into the next growing season. As with a lot of gardening, timing is everything. Here are some tips for gathering, drying and keeping them fresh while in storage.
Baharat is a spice blend is used in many Middle Eastern cuisines. Depending on the country in which this spice mix is prepared there may be variations of the spices included.
Aleppo Pepper is named after where it comes from Aleppo, Syria, which is one of the oldest cities in history. This pepper is somewhat fruity and cumin like in flavor with moderate spice level.
Using Ancho Pepper (Dried Polano Pepper)
The flavor of ancho peppers are some what sweet and raisin like, Mildly spicy. These are the sweetest of the dried chilies.
