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Appetizers anyone can make

Appetizers anyone can make
Figs stuffed with parmesan and wrapped in bacon

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Herb Chart


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Herbs Chart
PictureHerbFlavorUses
AllspiceBerries, ground.Similar to cloves and cinnamon combo, more complex.  Cakes, cookies, relishes, tomato sauce, stew, chicken, lamb. 
BasilSweet, sunny flavor, versatileUse with green beans, peas potatoes, chicken dishes, tomato sauces, salads. Only add at end of cooking time or on prepared dish
Bay LeavesPungent, mint like; dried leaves more widely available.  Used in sauces, stews, gumbos; many varieties
CelerySeeds, ground.Stronger then celery flavor.  Salad dressings, potatoes, veggies, soups, beans, pork

Chili PeppersGround, dried whole, pepper flakes. Made by grinding hot chilies.Countless types from many countries.  Mild to blistering hot.  Soups, stews, beans, sauces, poultry, greens; add to most foods for that extra kick

Chili PowderGround mixture commonly of chili peppers, paprika, cumin, black pepper. Spicy, hot or mild. Chili, beans, Mexican dishes. Buy high-quality

ChivesDelicate onion flavor, never overpowering.   Great with eggs, salads, potatoes dishes, poultry, sauces /Use at end of cooking or as final flavor garnish. Chop finely; snip with scissors. 

CilantroFresh, aromatic, distinctive. Predominate in Mexican and Chinese cookery; salsas, chutneys, chicken, pork, salads, tacos

CinnamonSticks/bark, ground.Pungent, sweet, hot. Fruit desserts, cakes cookies. Also try on pork, lamb, meat pies, curries
ClovesWhole or ground.Aromatic, sweet. Fruits, desserts, meats, curry, soups, beans, pork

CuminSeeds, ground.Bold, distinctive; can overpower.  Chili, tacos, curry, stews, cabbage, beans. Toast ground or seeds

CurryGround. Mixture of numerous spices including cloves and cumin . Buy high-quality.  Base spice for curries; use also in tomato sauces, stews

DillPungent, tangy; dominate, use alone or with parsley.  Seeds also have strong flavor..Salmon, peas, eggplant, cabbage, cucumber yogurt sauces, salads, pickling; predominate in Mediterranean cooking.  I think it goes in almost everything.

FennelSeeds, ground. Licorice-like, stronger then fresh fennel.  Bread, fish, Italian dishes, sausage, tomato sauces. Toast ground or seeds to enhance flavor

GingerFresh root, ground, candied. Pungent, spicy.  Grate, mince to use in chicken, squash, sesame noodles, applesauce, chutneys, marinade. Ground and fresh have much different flavors.

 Predominate in Asian cooking.
MarjoramOregano like but sweeter.Fish stews, stuffing's, carrots, greens, beans, egg dishes
MasalaIt is a combined spice -Coriander, Ginger, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Cumin, Black and Green Cardamom,cloves, bay leaves, and nutmeg.
Masala is a unique blend of Indian spices ideal for chicken or pannier curries.  I liked it for braising pork shoulder too.
MintIt is commonly found in Indian and South Asian Cuisines.Teas, desserts, lamb, fish, salads
MustardOften hot, pungent  Several varieties available.  Vegetables, stews, relishes, seafood, salad dressings.  Seeds can be toasted to enhance flavor. 

NutmegWhole, ground.Sweet, spicy, fragrant. Cakes, fruit, desserts, beans, sauces, cabbage, spinach,white sauces.

OreganoEarthy, Italian spice Lamb, chicken, pork, seafood, eggplant, tomato sauces; excellent with lemon: Retains good flavor when dried.   Goes very well in taco meat mixes as well.


PaprikaGround. Made from red peppers. Can be mild or hot and pungent.  Not just for garnish.  Buy high-quality with fresh peppery aroma.  Seafood, vegetables, eggs; almost anything

ParsleyClean bright flavor.Good with almost any savory food; all seafood, beef, chicken, potatoes, sauces, soups, salads. Fresh is better then dried

PepperWhole berries, ground.Most common of all spices. Hot peppers, sweet peppers and peppercorns are from same plant.  Peppercorns are black, white and green--depends on level of maturity.  Pink peppercorns are a distant relative.  Use on everything including sweets and fruits.  Buy a pepper mill and whole peppercorns. You'll be glad you did. 

RosemaryFresh, piney, pungent A must with poultry, potatoes, white beans, lamb, breads, fruit salads
Sage



Almost mint-like, slightly bitter; can overpower other herbs.
use whole stems in soups, stews, remove when done.

Chop whole leaves in very thin strips.  Pork, veal, sausages, poultry, stuffing, sauces. Dried herb has much different flavor
SavoryReminiscent of thyme.Veal, pork, eggplant tomatoes, stuffing
TarragonLicorice, lemon flavor; strong. Use alone or with parsley; veal, chicken, potatoes, mushrooms, tomato dishes, vinaigrette's 
ThymeEarthy, subtle, versatile; use whole sprigs in soups, stews. Pluck leaves and add at all stages of cooking. Excellent in most dishes especially seafood, poultry, pork, veal, tomato, vegetables, breads. Retains good flavor when dried




SALT
  • Sea Salt-great for dishes where you want a touch of the sea taste, and a softer flavor
  • Kosher Salt-a softer flavored coarse-grain salt.  Good for Kosher Diets
  • Table Salt-Great everyday use

  • SALTSalt is neither an herb nor a spice - but IS the number one seasoning in all the world.  Actually an "innovation" of mankind and noted throughout history.  The most common forms include:
    Table
    From mined rock salt deposits, contains chemical additives to keep it free-flowing.  Added iodine causes a slightly bitter aftertaste.  Has the "saltiest" taste. 
    Kosher
    Also mined from rock salt but with no additives. Purer taste, course grain, dissolves more quickly then table salt.  Preferred by most cooks.
    Sea
    Made by evaporating sea water.  No additives, clean taste, course, large grains. Takes a little longer to dissolve and better for longer cooking periods, as for soups and stews.
    Fleur de sel
    French for "flower of salt".  Harvested by hand from salt beds.  It has a delicate flavor and works well as a finishing touch to appetizers, salads and roasted meats.

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