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Spotlight On Spices! Issue November 2014 - Bouquet Garni - "Pot Herbs" November 03, 2014 |
Hard to believe we’re at the front end of the last two months of 2014. Where has this year gone? Here in my northeast coast neck of the woods we’re starting to experience cooler days with night temperatures in the low 40’s and high 30’s. I’m not ready for these cooler days; however, I’m making the most of them by cooking up and serving to family, neighbors and friends delicious bowls of hearty soups. A key ingredient that infuses aromatic flavors into my soups is a classic French herbal blend that is this month‘s . . . . THE SPICE OF LIFE - Bouquet Garni - Pot Herbs for Soups and Stews!Over the next few months I’ll be writing about classic French flavors and spice blends. These blends - such as Bouquet Garni ("garnished bouquet"), Fines Herbes, Herbes de Provence, and Quatre Epices ("four-spices" blend)- can cover a lot of bases and enhance your food flavors.
This month let’s start with Bouquet Garni known also as "pot herbs or soup herbs."
Traditionally this fresh blend of herbs tied together with kitchen twine into a small bundle consists of 3 sprigs of Parsley, 2 sprigs of Thyme, and 1 Bay Leaf. These days you can purchase dried herbs that are as fragrant as fresh ones. When mixing your own dried herb blend use 1 tablespoon of Parsley, 1 teaspoon of Thyme, and 1 Bay Leaf. If using a store-bought crushed bouquet garni mixture start with 1 ½
tablespoons per pot of soup, stock, or stew.
Add the bundle of bouquet garni into the pot with other ingredients, and remove before serving. You can add the dry blends to your pots tied up in cheese cloth, or depending on what you’re making, you can even just add these directly and leave them in the finished dish. I do this when I make bean and lentil soups which are hearty and robust. I even add whole peppercorns to these heartier soups.
Time to get your soup on. Enjoy!
MONTHLY EVENTSNovember is the Month for:
Fun with Fondue, Georgia Pecan, Peanut Butter Lovers, Pepper, Raisin Bread, and Pomegranates
Some of our Favorite National Food Days in November Include:
November 2 National Deviled Egg Day
November 5 National Doughnut Day
November 6 National Nachos Day
November 10 National Vanilla Cupcake Day
November 14 National Guacamole Day
November 20 National Peanut Butter Fudge Day
November 23 National Cashew Day
November 26 National Cake Day
November 28 National French Toast Day
November 29 National Chocolates Day
November 30 National Mousse Day
SPICY TIDBITSCheck here for the latest news on any spice recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts:
MERCHANTS & RETAILERS:Websites for Spice Retailers:Atlantic Spice Company - atlanticspice.com
Durkee® - durkee.com
Maison Terre - maisonterre.net
McCormick® - mccormick.com
Milford Spice Company - milfordspice.com
Penzeys Spices - penzeys.com
Savory Spice Shop - savoryspiceshop.com
Spice Islands® - spiceislands.com
The Spice House - thespicehouse.com
Spice Accessories Websites:
Bottles, Containers & Jars:
Bottle Store - www.bottlestore.com
eBottles.com - www.ebottles.com
SKS Bottle & Packaging, Inc. - www.sks-bottle.com
Labels:
Online Labels - www.onlinelabels.com
Spice Racks:
Tubular Spices - www.tubularspices.com/Spice_Racks.asp
Spice Rack Source - www.spiceracksource.com/all-spice-racks/
YOUR TURNTell us what you would love to see in our monthly eZine. We want to keep this publication fresh and relevant. We want to put a spotlight on the herbs and spices that are of the most interest to you.
Use our Contact Form to give us constructive feedback or ask questions. Thank you!
Ellen White Eat Well. Live Well. Cook everyday with spices and herbs!
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