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MomsRetro.com:
Basic Herbs and Spices Plus Gift Ideas
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The Spicy BasicsSaltOne of the most common minerals on earth and a basic kitchen staple. It is sold either granulated or as rock salt. They come in round paper containers, usually with a spout on top. Go for the basic round container first.Most salts sold today have iodine added to them and are labeled as "iodized salt". It is added to prevent iodide deficiency. Normally sea salt is left as is and does not have added iodine. Either is fine to use. PepperSalt and pepper is often sold together as sets in everything from simple sets to elaborate matching grinders or salt and pepper shaker sets in any theme imaginable. There is sure to be a set to match any kitchen decor. These two are probably the most common of kitchen spices so feel free to invest in a nice set of shakers if you plan on cooking. Salt and pepper sets also make nice gifts for cooks. If you don't plan on cooking a lot, you can at least save a few packets from your favorite fast food restaurant for emergencies. Gourmet Spice BlendsThe types of spices you need will depend on the types of dishes you like to make. A blend of spices is a quick, inexpensive way to try out new flavors and enhance simple foods and sauces. They save you money and time because they've already measured out the perfect herbs and mixed them together for you.Some popular spice blends are; Italian, Greek, Spanish, steak spice, chicken seasoning, lemon pepper and seasoned salts and salt-free blends. Spice blends to
try or to give budding four-star chefs:
Steak Spice: Not only good for steaks, this blend adds depth to dishes, try it in meatloaf or meat balls. It also jazzes up a plain fried eggs. Lemon Pepper: Good on chicken dishes, also tasty on green beans. Garlic Salt: Popular on everything from raw vegetables to stews and even mixed into biscuits. Seasoned Salt: Great on potatoes, fish or chicken. Bouquet GarniIt is usually sold in a small bundle, wrapped up in the bay leaf and tied with string. These are handy for throwing into stews and soups for a nice boost of flavor. Gourmet Gifts for CooksPure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla flavoring is used in ice cream and almost any form of baking, including cakes and cookies It is made from extracting the enchanting oils of the vanilla bean which grows on the Vanilla Orchid. True extract can be pricey, but the results, as they say, are in the pudding. Saffron: Another exotic spice for flavoring (and coloring) rice dishes. This labor intensive spice is harvested from the stamens of the Saffron Crocus. Happy Seasoning! |
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2009-2012
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Trade routes were carefully
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pirates and defended by soldiers.