learn to use spices deliciously

this goal will have to wait until I have enough time to cook and a good kitchen. :(

I haven’t been using them much since moving out and being apart from my spice plants. I only have cinnamon and oregano, and I use the cinnamon all the time in my oatmeal and on apples, but don’t use much else in terms of spices. I don’t have a lot of money to buy cooking food with (I don’t buy meat, only bread and fruit and canned soup, when its on sale), and until then, this goal might have to go on hold.

Well, I learned that its not good to use too many at once. Maybe even more than 2.

Had pasta with marinara sauce with garlic, basil, oregano and onions. A little too spicy. I will be less liberal next time…I just got a little too excited.

I’m just going to put this on hold for a while, since I’m not really working on it and don’t plan to for several months.

This probably sounds TERRIBLY basic and simple,,,,,but i’d never done in my cooking…

I was making a vegetable marinade the other week, and in looking up a recipe (in ye olde trusty ‘Better Homes & Gardens’ classic cookbook!), they instructed to “crush” the dried oregano spice into a powder, before adding it to the oil & vinegar…

h’mmm & wow—it Really made a difference in the flavor ! No Twig Taste !! who knew ??

;D

Here’s a collection of my fav ourite newest spices i use… I’ve been consciously trying to use more spices, better seasonings, instead of the standard salt and condiments after the food is cooked. I did start by just not adding salt when cooking, and only on the cooked food directly. then i stated playing around more with the “Mrs Dash” combos. A bit healthier..

A friend of mine is able to make really tasty creme sauces with spices, whereas mine always taste like twigs floating in flour-y water. I’m still working on learning That technique…

I really love that “gardenia” indian spice blend…i’ve found it makes meats truly yummy. I even figured out a good combination of that spice, braised on pork cutlets, with a touch of ginger dressing,,,then simmered with mushrooms and chicken broth…

‘Wish all my experiements were that successful – !

I made lentil soup – it was easy, as long as you have the right ingredients around. I enjoy lemon in savoury dishes, but can’t improvise with it on my own.

I made crepes – nice simple cinnamon ones like we used to when I lived in France. I hadn’t made crepes in at least 4 years ;-)

Yummmm!

Spices and herbs – which spices go well with which types of foods
Guide to using Herbs, Spice & Seasonings.

One thing I have learned all on my own is that carrots and garlic don’t go well together. But carrots and onions are fine. Who would have thought?!

but last Saturday I went to a gyoza party and learned how to make those little meat dumplings that the Japanese love so much(a bit like wontons, but more garlicky). It was very messy, but fun!

(I didn’t make the ones in this picture. Ours looked very messy, but they tasted great!)