Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Basic Cooking Herbs


Herbs add extra flavor and nutrients to our meals.  Dried or fresh, herbs enhance and meld the flavors of our food.  This month I have for you a few common herbs and 'go withs'

Basil:  veal, lamb, poultry, shellfish, fish tomatoes, salads, potatoes.

Oregano:  meats, pork, poultry, seafood, tomatoes, potatoes, cheeses, egg dishes.

Rosemary:  lamb, pork, poultry, fish, tomatoes, salads, cheeses,  egg dishes, soups.

Sage:  meats, lamb, fish, vegetables, salads, stuffing, baked goods and breads.

Thyme:  fish, shellfish, cottage cheese, soups, stews.

Majoram, beef, pork, poultry, fish, potatoes, salads, cheese dishes, soup, stews.

Mint:   some recipes call for mint.  Mint is also used in beverages, fruit drinks, teas, hot or
           cold and candies.

Herb butters are especially good.  Make these by mixing finely chopped fresh or dried herbs into softened butter.  Add a little lemon juice if desired for flavor.  Also, combine dried herbs in a small jar to have on hand, this makes it fast and easy to add to soups, stews, salads and other dishes.

I would encourage you to experiment, this is a good way to learn more about herbs and flavor combining recipes.  Go ahead, tap into your creativity and you will be surprised at what you will learn.

This is a shout list of food and herb parings.  There are many more uses for herbs in everyday cooking as well as substitutions.  Thyme and sage are two that can be used interchangeably.

Tip:   One tablespoon of fresh herbs is equal to one teaspoon of dry herbs.

Pungent Cheese Herbs
Use this recipe to flavor fresh goat cheese or cream cheese

Dried basil       2 tablespoons
Dried parsley   1 tablespoon
Dried chives    1 tablespoon
Dried thyme    1 tablespoon
Dried marjoram   1 tablespoon
Coarsely cracked black pepper   1 teaspoon

Mix well and store in a jar.  Makes about 1/3 cup.

Source:  The Kitchen Pantry by Emily Tolley and Chris Mead  page 36

ps:  I think this would be good in butter as well.

That's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by and reading our blog.
Wishing you a happy spring and lots of sunshine.

The Nut's at Black Walnut T's



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