How To Cook With Spices

Sleeping Garden

We had our first big frost a couple of weeks ago. I know it’s a necessary part of the ego system, but I miss my plant friends through the winter. Every day, after work to relive stress, I visit my garden. Yes, I talk to my plants, and I know each one by its nameContinue reading “Sleeping Garden”

Harvesting Oregano

Harvesting herbs has begun at Sage Hill! I harvested one of my organically grown Greek oregano plants that was getting ready to bloom. For best flavor results, oregano tastes better right before it produces flowers. I cut the whole stem close to the ground right above a leaf joint so it will grow, and IContinue reading “Harvesting Oregano”

Cloves

CLOVES are a pleasant, sweet spice like cinnamon, but have a stronger flavor and a sharp aroma. Whole cloves are the buds of the evergreen clove tree. Stewed fruits benefit from a handful of whole cloves while they are simmering, and fragrant pilafs are made even more so by addition of some whole cloves. You mayContinue reading “Cloves”

Cilantro or Coriander

Cilantro is an herb that is never available in dried form, since its pungent flavor and aroma seem to dissipate almost entirely when dried. Sometimes referred to as Spanish or Chinese parsley. Fresh cilantro is becoming more widely available in produce markets. Cilantro has a unique flavor and aroma that some savor and others dislike.Continue reading “Cilantro or Coriander”

Rosemary

Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary is one of the most commonly found herbs in a spice rack, and for good reason – not only does it have a wonderful taste and aroma, but also a wealth of beneficial health effects if regularly added to our diet. The scientific name of this perennial woody herb is Rosmarinus officinalis. Similar to manyContinue reading “Rosemary”

Thyme

Thyme is a tiny-leaved herb that is most often used in French cooking. Make sure to strip the leaves from the woody stems before adding them to recipes (unless it’s used to flavor a roast or soup and then removed before serving!). Run your finger and thumb along the stems (the opposite direction of growth)Continue reading “Thyme”