Herbal Recipes
Herbal Recipes
Herbal Recipes
Yuletide Slaw
• 4 cups Red Cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, coarse ground
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Green Onions, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Sugar
• 1/4 cup Salad Oil
• 2 tablespoons Parsley
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
Combine and toss the vegetables together. Mix salt, pepper, salad oil, lemon juice, sugar and parsley and pour over the vegetable
mixture. Refrigerate for 1 hour, Toss briskly before serving, makes 8 servings.
Spinach Salad
• 1 lb. Spinach leaves
• 5 Green Onions, chopped
• 4 slices Bacon, fried crisp & drained
• 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 2 Eggs - hardboiled - cooled & chopped
Wash spinach leaves in cold water. Pat dry w/paper towels and tear into bite sized pieces. Combine spinach and onions in large
bowl. Crumble bacon over spinach mixture. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour vinegar
mixture over spinach and toss. Sprinkle with egg. (Serves 4-6 people)
Wassail
• 3 Cinnamon sticks
• 6 Cloves
• 4 Cardamom pods
• 2 Oranges, sliced
• 1 Lemon, sliced
• 1/3 cup Raisins
• 1 quart Wine (or white Grape juice)
• 2 Apples, peeled & sliced
• 1/2 gallon Apple juice
• 2 pieces crystallized Ginger
Tie cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom into a piece of cheesecloth. Place spice bag, oranges, apples, lemon, and raisins in a
large pan with the wine. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. Remove spice bag and fruit, add cider. Stir and heat mixture. Serve hot.
Soft Mead
• 1 quart Water, preferably Spring Water
• 1 cup Honey
• 1 sliced Lemon
• 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
Boil together all ingredients in a non-metallic pot. While boiling, scrape off the rising "scum" with a wooden spoon. When no more
rises add the following: pinch Salt juice of 1/2 Lemon Strain and cool.
Orange Frost
• 6 ounce frozen concentrated Orange Juice
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 cup Water
• 12 ice cubes
• 1/3 cup Sugar
Combine ingredients in blender, mix until smooth.
Marinated Mushrooms
• 1/2 cup Italian Dressing
• 2 lbs Fresh Mushrooms
• 2 teas. Lemon Juice
In large saucepan, heat Italian dressing & mushrooms over medium heat for 5 minutes, then add the lemon juice. Remove from
stove and pour into large baking dish. Cover & marinate in refrigerator, stirring occasionally, for 4+ hours. (Makes 4 cups)
Stuffed Mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons Butter, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon dried Thyme
• 2 tablespoons diced Green Pepper
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped Mushroom stems
• 2 tablespoons chopped Onion
• 1/2 lb. large Mushrooms, stems removed
• 3/4 cup Bread Crumbs
• 2 tablespoons cooked, crumbled Bacon
• Grated or shredded Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over low heat and sauté' the mushroom stems, green pepper, and
onions until tender. Mix in the bread crumbs, bacon, thyme, salt & pepper. Spoon the mixture into the mushroom caps. Place the
caps on a cookie sheet. Melt one tablespoon of the butter & drizzle over the caps. Sprinkle each with cheese. Bake for 15 minutes.
Serve hot. (Makes about 1 ounce)
Fairy Biscuits
• 5 cups self-rising Flour
• 3/4 cups Shortening
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 cup Buttermilk
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Sift Flour and add it to sugar and shortening. Add yeast and buttermilk, knead well. Do not let rise
before baking store in refrigerator if not baking right away. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes.
Moon Crescents
• 1 cup finely ground Almonds
• 1 1/4 cups Flour
• 1/2 cup Confectioner's Sugar
• 2 drops Almond Extract
• 1/2 cup softened Butter
• 1 Egg Yolk
Combine almonds, flour, sugar, and extract until thoroughly mixed. Work in butter and egg yolk until blended. Chill dough. Preheat
oven to 325. Pinch off pieces of dough the size of walnuts and shape into crescents. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for 15
- 20 minutes.
Rhubarb Pie
• 3¼ cups Flour, divided
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Vinegar
• 1 Egg, well beaten
• 1¼ cups Shortening
• 4 tablespoons Water
• ½ teaspoon grated Orange Peel
• 3 cups Red Rhubarb stalks, chopped
• 1½ cups Sugar
Preheat oven to 425. Sift 3 cups flour and salt into a large bowl. Cut shortening into flour until coarse crumbs form. Combine egg,
vinegar and water in a small bowl-drizzle over flour. Mix dough lightly until it forms a ball, and then divide in half. Roll out both halves
on floured surface. Fit half into an 8-inch pie pan. Reserve second half for top of pie. For filling, mix ¼ cup flour, sugar, and orange
peel. Put half of the rhubarb into pie shell and sprinkle with half of the sugar mixture. Repeat and dot with butter. Cover with
reserved crust, slicing vents. Sprinkle with sugar and squeeze edges together to seal top and bottom. Cover edge with foil strip to
keep from burning and bake 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes
Vegetable Pizza
• 1 8-oz. can refrigerated Crescent Rolls
• 2 cups chopped raw vegetables, (broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, etc).
Puree onion, garlic, and nettles with 1 cup of water. Cut potatoes into small pieces. Simmer pureed mixture with potatoes
and remaining water for 45 minutes or until tender. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes making the soup thick and
creamy.
Violet Vinegar
Pack a pint jar tightly with the violets flowers. Pour the vinegar (unheated) over the violets. Cover tightly and allow for it to
stand in a sunny window for 4 or 5 days. Strain and keep refrigerated. Use in salad dressings.
Pack basil and garlic into jar. Cover with vinegar. Let stand in cool dark place for 4 weeks. Strain and bottle in glass jars.
Cover herbs in glass jar and allow settling in cool dark place for 4 weeks. Strain and bottle.
Mix well and store in a container. To prepare: Use 1 cup rice to 2 cups water and simmer until tender.
Vegan Cannelloni
Preheat oven at 190oc/375of/gas mark 5. Heat oil in large frying pan at medium temp, add onion, garlic, and fry gently for
5 minutes, until soft. Add beans, mushrooms, and fry for 5 minutes. Add spinach, herbs, nutmeg, salt, pepper. Fry gently
for 3-5 minutes, transfer to a bowl. Mix cayenne pepper with chopped tomatoes. Coat the bottom of a large oven-proof
dish with a thin layer of the chopped tomatoes. Spoon a little of the bean mixture onto one of the fresh lasagna sheets, if
using dried, boil sheets & drain before using, roll lasagna up around filling, place seam down in the dish. Repeat with
remaining filling & lasagna until all used up; arrange cannelloni side by side in a single layer. Pour chopped tomatoes over
the top. Make white sauce by placing all ingredients into a pan, whisk over medium heat until thickened, coat cannelloni
with white sauce. Bake until golden brown & bubbling. Serve hot, serves 4.
Mild Mustard
Cover paste with boiling water and let it to sit for 30 minutes. Drain off excess water. Repeat process soaking for 5
minutes then drain. Stir in sugar and spices.
Orange Honey
• 1/2 cup honey
• Sunflower oil
Wash parsley and allow moisture to dry and leaves to wilt slightly. Grind in food processor. Peel garlic and grind in food
processor. Mix all in a bowl with vinegar. Add sunflower oil until mix is well saturated. Store fridge in glass jar. Toss on
pasta, potatoes or meats.
Rose Geranium Blackberry Liqueur
• 4 half pints blackberries
• 1 cup rose geranium leaves
• 4 cups vodka
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
1. Combine the berries, geranium leaves, vodka, and wine in a large container with a tight-fitting cover.
2. Set the mixture in a cool dark place to season for one month.
3. Open the container and bruise the berries slightly.
4. Cover and allow the mixture to steep for another five days.
5. Next, strain the mixture. Then pour through a filter.
6. Boil the sugar and water together in a saucepan until the sugar is dissolved.
7. Allow mixture to cool and gradually stir into the liqueur. Taste, when the liqueur is to the desired sweetness, bottle and age for
approximately 4 to five weeks.
8. Age in a cool dark place (makes about one to two quarts).
1. In large heated skillet, add 3 teaspoons olive oil, onions and Tasso, sauté for three minutes.
2. Add chicken drumettes, sauce and 2 ounces of fresh chopped mint. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Season to taste with fresh thyme, marjoram and garlic. If you prefer a spicy sauce, add more red and black pepper and
garnish with sliced jalapeños,
4. Serve over rice in the Louisiana-style, serves 12.
CANLIS SPECIAL SALAD
Pour olive oil into large wooden salad bowl, sprinkle with salt, and then rub bowl firmly with the large clove of garlic. Remove garlic
and discard.
Place tomato pieces in bottom of salad bowl, put in torn or sliced Romaine, chopped green onions with tops, freshly grated Romano
cheese and finely chopped bacon.
Before serving, pour Canlis Special Dressing over the salad following a Z line for even distribution. Add croutons last. Toss salad
well. Serve at once on chilled plates, makes 6 generous servings.
CANLIS SPECIAL DRESSING
1/3 Cup Olive Oil 1/4 tsp. freshly ground Black Pepper
1/3 Cup Lemon Juice 1/4 tsp. dried Oregano
3/4 tsp. chopped fresh Mint or 1 Egg
tsp. crushed dry Mint
In small bowl combine olive oil, lemon juice, mint, freshly ground black pepper and oregano.
In a small saucepan bring water to boiling. Place egg in boiling water; turn off heat and let stand 1 minute. Add coddled egg to olive
oil mixture and whip vigorously. Pour dressing over Canlis Special Salad, makes about 3/4 cup salad dressing.
CITRUS SALAD WITH AVOCADO
Slice corn tortillas into very thin strips. Dry the strips by placing on a cookie sheet and baking in a preheated 225 degree oven for
approximately 15 minutes. Set aside. Grate the oranges to obtain approximately 2 teaspoons of orange rind (zest) for each serving.
Set aside. Peel oranges and grapefruit; section and seed. Set sections aside. In large bowl mix honey, raspberry vinegar, orange
rinds (zest) and tortilla strips. Toss all ingredients gently. Top with avocado slices and a sprig of fresh mint for garnish (serves 6).
BRISKET SALAD
3 cups snap Beans, green and/or yellow bias sliced into 1-1/2 inch lengths 1 tsp Sugar
2 tbsp Vinegar tsp dry Mustard
2 tbsp Salad Oil 1/4 tsp Salt
1 Shallot, finely chopped 1-15 oz. can Garbanzo Beans, drained
2 tsp. snipped fresh Tarragon or tsp dried Tarragon, crushed. 1 medium Tomato, coarsely chopped
Place a steamer basket in a saucepan; add water till it almost touches the bottom of the steamer basket. Add beans and steam for
18-22 minutes or till crisp-tender; drain.
Meanwhile for dressing, in a screw-top jar combine vinegar, salad oil, shallot tarragon, sugar, mustard and salt. Cover and shake
well to mix.
In a salad bowl combine cooked beans, garbanzo beans and tomato. Add dressing, toss gently to coat. Cover and chill about 4
hours, stirring once. Serve with a slotted spoon. Makes 4 side-dish servings.
AVOCADO SALAD
2 Avocados, peeled, cut up and coated with 1/4 cup of lime juice. 1/4 cup chopped Onion
cup Cilantro cup chopped fresh Tomatoes
2 Jalapeno Peppers 2 tsp. Lime juice
1 clove Garlic
Blend all of the above ingredients except the avocados. Coat the avocado with the blended mixture. Add salt and pepper just prior to
serving. Place salad on plate and surround with the sauce (recipe below).
SAUCE
1 lb. Tomatillos 1/4 tsp. Cumin
lb. red Tomatoes 2 tsp. Lime juice
2 Jalapeno Peppers
Blend to puree, surround avocado salad (above). Serve with tortilla chips or form into tacos with flour tortillas.
RICE SALAD
1 small Onion cut into 1/4 inch dice 3/4 cup cooked baby Lima Beans
1 tbsp. Olive oil 3/4 cup cooked red kidney Beans
1 cup uncooked long grain Rice skinless and boned Chicken breast, shredded
1/4 tsp. Chili powder 1 small smoked spicy Sausage (Turkey or Cajun) cut into small pieces, optional
1/8 tsp. Tumeric 2 tbsp. chopped Cilantro or flat-leaf Parsley
inch piece of Cinnamon stick 6 Lime wedges for garnish
3 &; cups defatted Chicken broth lb sugar snap Peas, blanched
Salt and freshly ground black Pepper cup, diced 1/4 inch, red bell Peppers
2 tsp. finely ground Lime zest
Warm up oil in large saucepan. Add onions, reduce heat, stirring for 10 minutes or until onion is wilted. Add rice and spices; stir to
coat. Add the broth, bring to a boil, stir and reduce heat to median low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl, season with salt, pepper and lime zest.
Toss in peas, bell pepper and beans. Add the shredded chicken, sausage and cilantro. Adjust the seasonings and serve in small
bowls. Serve at room temperature with lime wedges (Serves 6).
GARDEN PASTA SALAD
4 ripe Tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch dice Finely grated Zest and juice of 1 Lemon
1 seedless Cucumber, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch dice 1 ripe Avocado, peeled, pitted, and cut into inch dice
1 red Bell Pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/4 inch dice 1/3 cup Olive Oil
1 small yellow Squash (ends trimmed off), cut into 1/4 inch dice Salt and black Pepper to taste
1 Zucchini, cut into 1/4 inch dice 12 oz. Linguine
3 Scallions, thinly sliced 1 cup shredded Basil leaves
cup golden Raisins 4 oz. soft Goat Cheese, crumbled (optional)
Combine tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow squash, zucchini, scallions, raisins and lemon zest in a large serving bowl.
Toss the diced avocado with lemon juice in a bowl to prevent discoloration, and then add the other vegetables along with the olive
oil, season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook for 10 minutes or until just
tender. Drain well and toss, while still hot, with the vegetables and the basil. Sprinkle with goat cheese, if desired, and serve
immediately.
BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD
In a bowl, whisk the first nine ingredients until well blended. Add the beans, corn, onion and red pepper; toss well. Cover and chill 8
hours or overnight, makes 12 servings.
MARINATED TOMATO PLATTER
For dressing, in a screw-top jar combine oil, vinegar, green onion or chives, mustard and pepper. Cover and shake well, chill till
needed.
Cut zucchini or cucumbers in half lengthwise. Seed cucumbers if using, with a vegetable peeler, cut zucchini or cucumber halves
into thin, lengthwise strips (about to 1 inch wide). Line a serving platter with leaf lettuce and top with sliced tomatoes. Arrange
zucchini or cucumber strips among the tomatoes, making and folding the strips as desired. Shake dressing and drizzle atop
vegetables. Cover, chill at least 30 minutes. Sprinkle feta cheese before serving (Makes 6 side dish servings.)
FRUIT SALAD
In a medium sized pot, heat milk, onion, bay leaf, thyme, parsley sprigs, marjoram and peppercorns over medium heat until mixture
almost boils. Turn off heat, cover and steep while you prepare the rest of soup.
Roast, peel and seed Anaheim chilies, chop. Remove kernels from corn, scraping the cob and reserving the milky liquid. Puree the
tomatillos. Melt 2 tablespoon butter in large sauce pan over medium low heat, add chopped onion and cook until tender. Stir in
chilies and corn with the milky liquid. Cook until the corn is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the prepared vegetables.
Strain the milk mixture and add to the corn mixture and cook 30 minutes more. Stir in pureed tomatillos and heat through, season
with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley.
CHICKEN VEGETABLE SOUP WITH LIME AND AVOCADO
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, oregano, and salt. Cook 15 minutes, add carrots, beans and
tomatoes, chicken stock, and chicken. Cook until chicken is done, take the chicken out, shred and return to pot. Add hominy and
chili. Cook for another 5 minutes. Serve garnished with avocado,
CORN AND ROASTED PABLANO SOUP
Combine milk, cumin seeds, bay leaf, and rosemary in a medium saucepan. Place over low heat and bring nearly to a simmer. (Do
not boil.) Remove from heat and let sit 20 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or stockpot over medium heat. Cook onions with salt until golden brown, stirring frequently, for 15-
20 minutes. Add garlic and ground cumin and cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes; stir in corn and diced chilies; continue cooking
over low heat for 5 more minutes.
Using a fine strainer strain the infused milk into the corn and Chile mixture. Bring to a very slow simmer over low heat. Simmer
gently for 15 minutes.
Pour 1/3 of the soup into a food processor or blender and puree; stir back into soup pot. Serve hot in shallow soup bowls; sprinkle
with chilies (Makes about 8 servings.)
NOTE: Roast chilies over a gas flame or on a tray under the broiler. Keep turning so that the skin is evenly charred. Transfer the
charred peppers to a plastic bag, tie the top closed, and let steam until cook to touch, about 15 minutes. Pull off the charred skin by
hand, and then dip the peppers briefly in water to remove any blackened bits.
Entrees
SAVORY THYME &PEPPER BEEF TIP ROAST
Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Combine seasoning ingredients; press evenly into roast. Place on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert
meat thermometer so bulb is centered in thickest part. Do not add water or cover. Roast approx. 25-35 minutes per pound for
medium rare to medium doneness.
Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 140 degrees for medium rare, 155 degrees for medium. Let stand 15 minutes.
(Temperature will continue to rise to 145 degrees for medium rare, 160 degrees for medium.)
Carve roast into thin slices. 8 - 10 servings.
DELICIOUS BEEF BRISKET
Mix all ingredients with broth. Cover tightly with foil and bake 325 degrees for 3 1/2 - 4 hours. Slice and place on platter, pouring
juices over it.
BEEF RIB EYE ROAST
In a skillet, cook sausage, green pepper and onion until the sausage is browned; drain. Stir in the tomato juice, tomatoes, oregano,
salt and pepper; simmer for l hour. Melt butter in a Dutch oven; saute cabbage over medium heat until tender, about 15 minutes.
Transfer to a serving platter; top with the meat sauce.
BEEF MUSHROOM STEW
1/4 Cup all-purpose Flour 1 Jar (8 oz) whole Mushrooms, drained
1 Teaspoon Salt 1/2 Cup chopped Onion
1/8 Tea. Pepper 2 Bay leaves
2 1/2 to 3 Lbs. Beef Round Steak, cut into cubes 1 Clove Garlic, minced
2 Tbl. Cooking Oil 1 Tbl. dried Parsley Flakes
1 Cup Burgundy Wine or Beef broth Cooked Rice or Noodles
3/4 Cup Water
Place flour, salt and pepper in a plastic bag; add beef cubes and shake to coat on all sides, brown beef in oil in a large saucepan.
Stir in burgundy wine or broth, water, mushrooms, onion, bay leaves, garlic and parsley; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and
simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender. Thicken if desired. Serve over rice or noodles. 8 - 10 servings.
POLISH SAUSAGE PATTIES
In a food processor, process pork until coarsely ground (or have butcher grind the meat); place in a large bowl. Add marjoram, salt,
garlic powder and pepper; mix well. Add water and mix well. Shape into 20 patties, 4 in. each, fry in a skillet over medium heat for
20-25 minutes or until thoroughly cooked (Makes 20 servings.)
Note: Patties can be frozen. Sausage can also be stuffed into casings to make links.
SEARED BRISKET
Remove all excess fat from brisket. Place on wax paper; add salt and fresh ground black pepper. Dredge well in flour, shaking off
access. Place in large Dutch oven in hot oil and brown well on both sides. Remove from pan.
Add carrots, garlic and onions to Dutch oven and sauté about 4-5 minutes, stir in tomato paste, oregano and peppers, place the
brisket back into the pan and cover with chicken stock 3/4 way up in the pot. Cover and cook for several hours or until fork tender.
Remove brisket from pan, remove fat from top of juice, and lift out peppers. Place the vegetables and small amount of the juice into
the blender, strain and add back into the pot. Adjust seasoning, adding a tablespoon of lime juice to the sauce, thin with a little stock
or water if too thick.
Slice the brisket and place on serving platter, pouring sauce over brisket, top with chopped scallions or green onions.
MARINATED BRISKET
Place all ingredients except last 2 items, in a large plastic bag, close and lay bag in a container where the brisket will be in a flat
level position. Place in refrigerator for 2 hours, turning bag over every 30-40 minutes.
Remove brisket from bag and place in a baking pan and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for l hour. Reduce heat to 250 degrees
for 3 hours. Drain all but 1/4 inch of broth (Reserve broth for later use). In a bowl mix Mesquite BBQ sauce and Kikkoman Teriyaki
Marinade, basting brisket with 1/2 mixture, bake 45 minutes; basting with balance of mixture, bake another 30 minutes.
Let cool, refrigerate, then slice and heat; basting sauce on top.
HERBED PORK ROAST
Combine half of the parsley with the herbs and seasonings. Rub over roast. Place in a shallow pan; cover with remaining parsley.
Roast uncovered at 325 degrees for 35 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 160-180 degrees. Yields: 6
servings.
CATFISH WITH PARSLEY SAUCE
SAUCE:
2 Cups tightly packed fresh Parsley leaves 1/2 Cup grated Romano Cheese
1/2 Cup Olive Oil 1/2 Cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 Cup chopped Pecans 2 Tbl. Butter or Margarine, cut in pieces
1 Garlic clove, minced
FILLETS:
1 Cup all-purpose Flour 6 Catfish Fillets
1/2 to l Tea. Cayenne Pepper 1 to 2 Tbl. vegetable Oil
1 tea. Salt 1 to 2 Tbl. Butter or Margarine
In a food processor or blender, process parsley until coarsely chopped. Add remaining sauce ingredients; process until smooth.
Refrigerate. Combine the flour, cayenne pepper and salt in a bowl. Dredge each fillet; shake off excess. In a skillet, heat 1 Tbl. each
of oil and butter. Fry fillets for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Turn fillet; add remaining oil and butter if necessary. Divide the
sauce and spread evenly on the cooked side of each fillet. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Yield:
6 servings.
TURKEY TENDERLOINS
In medium saucepan combine water and sugar; bring to boil over medium heat. Add cranberries, apple, vinegar, raisins and spices.
Bring to boil, and then simmer gently 10 minutes, stirring often.
Pour into mixing bowl. Place plastic wrap directly on surface of sauce. Cool to room temperature and serve or cover and refrigerate
then bring to room temperature before serving.
GREEN RICE
Mix all ingredients in order. Pour into a greased casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. This dish can also be baked
in a ring mold. When placed on dish, add creamed chicken or other meats to center.
HELEN'S EGGPLANT DRESSING
Pour into eggplant mixture, mixing well. Pour into a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle with:
1 Tbl. chopped Parsley 1 Cup cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 Cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Peel potatoes if the skin is tough, otherwise just scrub and rinse them. Cut potatoes into thin slices, but not all the way through. Use
a handle or a spoon to prevent knife from cutting all the way. Put potatoes in a baking dish. Fan them out slightly. Sprinkle with salt
and drizzle with butter. Sprinkle with herbs.
Bake potatoes at 425 degrees for about 50 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake potatoes for another 10 to 15
minutes until lightly browned, cheeses are melted and potatoes are soft inside. Check with a fork.
Use Caraway seeds or Cumin in place of dried herbs, if desired. Use 1 1/2 tea, for 4 large potatoes.
VEGETABLE STIR-FRY
Sauté onions and garlic in butter with salt and pepper, add rosemary and basil to sauté, toss.
Drop beans in a pan of salted water for 2 or 3 minutes, uncovered. Dip from water and add to onion mixture, toss and add lemon
juice.
MICROWAVE BAKED POTATOES
4 - 8 oz. potatoes
Prick each potato in 2 or 3 places with a fork. Place a double thickness of paper towels on the floor or turntable of the microwave.
Arrange the potatoes like the spokes of a wheel on the paper towels.
Microwave on high power for 10 minutes, turn the potatoes over; microwave for 5 minutes more. Check for doneness with the tip of
a sharp knife. If the potatoes are not completely cooked, microwave them a 2 minute intervals, checking for doneness. Serve with
Sun-Dried tomato and Basil Topping. (Recipe follows)
MARINATED TOMATO PLATTER
For dressing, in a screw-top jar combine oil, vinegar, green onion or chives, mustard and pepper. Cover and shake well, chill till
needed.
Cut zucchini or cucumbers in half lengthwise. Seed cucumbers if using, with a vegetable peeler, cut zucchini or cucumber halves
into thin, lengthwise strips (about to 1 inch wide). Line a serving platter with leaf lettuce and top with sliced tomatoes. Arrange
zucchini or cucumber strips among the tomatoes, making and folding the strips as desired. Shake dressing and drizzle atop
vegetables. Cover, chill at least 30 minutes. Sprinkle feta cheese before serving (Makes 6 side dish servings.)
CHEDDAR CHEESE AND BROCCOLI TOPPING
In a small sauce pan, heat 3/4 cup of the milk over medium heat until steaming, about 4 minutes. In a cup stir together flour and the
remaining 1/4 cup milk until smooth. Add the cheese and stir until smooth, then fold in the broccoli flowerets, another delicious
potato topper.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Place 4 cups squash in upper part of double boiler. Place apples, ginger and butter in bottom of double boiler in l inch of water.
Place upper part onto pan and cook for 15 minutes.
Remove top, set aside. Strain the ingredients in bottom pan through a sieve, reserving the liquid, mashing the ingredients through
the sieve into the liquid. Return to fire and reduce to about half. Place the squash on a serving dish and pour the liquid over it.
BLACKEYED PEAS WITH A REAL TWIST & TASTE
1 Large Ham hock, simmered in small amount of water, until tender, reserving liquid 2 Tbl. Olive Oil
2 Lbs. fresh Blackeyed Peas 1 Large dried Chipotle Pepper
1 Bell Pepper, chopped 1/4 Tea. dried Thyme
1 Large white Onion, chopped 2 Bay leaves
2 ribs Celery, chopped 1 Qt. more or less Chicken Broth
2 Large cloves Garlic, minced
Place peas in pot after rinsing, add chicken broth, boil for about 30 minutes on medium heat.
Meanwhile, coat frying pan with olive oil and saute pepper, onion, celery and garlic until tender. Add to peas.
After removing ham from pan, cut up ham and place all including broth in pot with peas, adding pepper thyme, bay leaves, salt and
pepper and cook until all vegetables are done. Serve over cooked rice.
ROASTED BELL PEPPERS
Clean and dry Green, Red and Yellow Bell Peppers. Place on top stove burner on moderate heat. Turn occasionally allowing the
skins to char. After turning where all sides have roasted and charred, place in a large plastic bag, while hot and let set for 15-20
minutes. Then remove skin, stems and de-seed.
These can be cut in strips, left in halves or chopped, then placed in small plastic bags and frozen for future use. They will
accumulate some juices, which can be added to cooking as well.
NEW POTATO POUCHES
Wash beans and remove strings. Cover and cook in a small amount of boiling water l0-12 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain well.
Sauté almonds in butter in a small skillet until lightly browned. Stir in fresh parsley and basil. Pour over green beans, tossing gently
(Makes 4 servings.)
ARMADILLO EGGS II
Begin by seeding jalapenos. Slice lengthwise but not in two. Leave stems (tails) on peppers. Seed under cold water and set aside to
drain.
Grate the cheese and toss together in a bowl. (Some cooks prefer to use the Jack-Cheddar cheese you can buy.)
Stuff the peppers. Taking some cheese and squeezing it to form a "ball" that fits into the pepper. The pepper should close nicely
around the cheese. Reserve a handful of cheese for the dough.
Next, make the "dough" by blending the sausage and Bisquick together. Also add to the dough the handful of cheese. I prefer to use
the food processor for this operation. It is dry and hard to do by hand but forms a nice ball in the food processor.
Roll the dough out to a 1/8" thickness. Wrap each pepper individually in the dough, allowing the tail (stem) to stick out but sealing all
around carefully to prevent cheese from melting out.
Roll each pepper in Shake and Bake. Dredge in egg and then back into Shake and Bake. Bake at 350 degrees about 25 minutes.
Serve warm. I like mine dipped in Ranch
Baked Goods & Desserts
SWEET CICELY COFFEE CAKE
Roll out biscuit dough on floured surface until about 1/2 inch thick and oblong in shape. Spread almond paste and crushed
pineapple in layers. Sprinkle with 2 Tbl. of flour and drizzle the honey over it. Top with sweet cicely leaves. Fold both sides over
filling. Press seams to seal. Bake on lightly-floured cookie sheet for 20 minutes.
POPPY SEED CAKE
Cream together the sugar and crisco until well mixed. Add the eggs 1 at a time, mixing for one minute after each. Add dry
ingredients gradually, scraping down the sides. Add the flavoring, and the verbena leaves. Pour into a Bundt pan, which is well
coated with the shortening and floured.
Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until golden brown (test with a toothpick). Remove, set on a cooling rack for 15
minutes, and turn over onto plate.
CHOCOLATE MINT CAKE
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour 13x9x2 inch baking pan. Layer chocolate mint leaves in the bottom of the baking
pan.
In a large bowl beat together butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until fluffy.
In another bowl sift flour, cocoa, baking powder and soda. Gradually add to the butter mixture until well blended. Pour batter into
prepared baking pan over the mint leaves. Bake 30-35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10
minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Put cake in the freezer and freeze overnight.
Take cake from freezer and carefully peel the Mint Leaves off of the cake.
While the cake is still frozen, slice into three layers, frost with Chocolate Mint Frosting.
CHOCOLATE MINT FROSTING
Several Mint, Rose or other non toxic Leaves 1/2 cup semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
1 Tea. vegetable Shortening
Thoroughly wash and dry leaves. In small microwave-safe bowl, place chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave at HIGH 45
seconds to 1 minute or until chips are melted when stirred.
With small soft bristled brush, brush melted chocolate onto backs of leaves being careful not to drip over edges; place on wax-paper
covered tray or rack.
Refrigerate until very firm. Carefully peel mint leaves from chocolate leaves, refrigerate until ready to use.
ROSEMARY TEA BREAD
Combine first three ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes, stirring. Cool. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs
and vanilla. Stir in raisin mixture alternately with flour.
Fill six well-oiled soup cans 2/3 full. Place cans on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 2 hours or until done. Cool slightly
before removing bread from cans.
ANISE COOKIES
Combine sugar and anise seeds; cover and let stand for a day.
In large bowl of an electric mixer, heat butter and 1/2 cup of the anise sugar until creamy. Beat in egg and brandy. In another bowl,
stir together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Gradually add to butter mixture, blending well. Shape dough into a ball, wrap
in plastic wrap, and refrigerate of at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut with 2 1/2-inch cookie cutters and place 1 inch apart on lightly
greased baking sheets. Sift and discard seed from remaining anise sugar; sprinkle over cookies. Bake in a 350 degree oven until
golden brown (about 12 minutes).
Let cool on racks (Makes about 5 dozen.)
LEMON VERBENA JELLY
In mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup water. Add molasses, butter, and caraway, salt and remaining water; mix well. Combine
flours; add 3 cups to batter.
Beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form firm dough. Turn onto a floured board; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8
minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch
dough down, shape into a round loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at
375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 1 loaf.
ONION DILL BREAD
1 Pk. (1/4 oz.) active dry Yeast 3/4 Cup Sour Cream
3 1/2 Cups Bread Flour 3 Tbl. Sugar
1/4 Tea. Salt 3 Tbl. minced dried Onion
1 unbeaten Egg, room temperature 2 Tbl. Dill Seed
1/4 Cup Water 1 1/2 Tbl. Butter or Margarine
3/4 Cup cream style Cottage Cheese
in a bread machine pan, place first four ingredients in order given. In a saucepan, combine remaining ingredients and heat just
until warm (do not boil). Pour into bread pan. Select "white bread" setting. Bake according to bread machine directions (Makes 1
large loaf.)
OATMEAL BREAD
In a bread machine pan, place ingredients in order given. Select "white bread" setting. Bake according to bread machine directions
(Makes 1 large loaf.)
NICK MAIGIERI'S EASY ITALIAN FOCACCIA
You will need a 10 1/2 x 15 1/2 inch jelly roll pan or a 14 inch round pan, plus a second pan of the same size or larger to insulate the
first pan if bottom of focaccia begins to brown too quickly.
Measure flour and table salt into mixing bowl; stir well to combine. Measure water into another bowl and whisk in yeast, then add 3
tablespoons olive oil.
With rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir yeast mixture into flour mixture until all flour is evenly moistened. Beat vigorously 1
minute. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow for it to rise until double in bulk, about 1 hour. (Or, combine flour, salt, warm water,
yeast and 3 tablespoons olive oil in food processor bowl and pulse repeatedly until dough is evenly mixed, about 15 pulses in all. Let
machine run continuously 30 seconds. Transfer dough to oiled bowl, cover and let rise as above.)
Spread 1 1/2 Teaspoons of the remaining oil on jelly roll pan. Scrape dough out of bowl into pan, pat and press dough to completely
fill pan. If dough resists, wait a few minutes and continue. Cover dough with a piece of oiled plastic wrap (oiled side down) and allow
dough to rise again until doubled in bulk, up to 1 hour.
Once dough has sufficiently raised, dimple surface of focaccia by poking cavities in dough at 2-inch intervals with fingertip. Pour
remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil on top. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
Bake focaccia on rack in lower-third of oven at 450 degrees about 25 minutes, or until deep golden. Check bottom about halfway
through baking time by lifting side of focaccia with a spatula or pancake turner. If it is coloring too deeply, slide pan onto another pan
to insulate bottom.
To serve immediately, slide focaccia from pan to cutting board. For advance preparation, slide focaccia off pan to rack to cool. To
serve, cut narrow slices or squares, to split horizontally for sandwiches.
Keep focaccia loosely covered at room temperature if served on the day it is made. For longer storage, wrap in plastic and
refrigerate or freeze. Unwrap and reheat focaccia on pan (in which it was originally baked) about 7 minutes at 375 degrees (Makes 4
to 6 servings.)
VARIATIONS:
After dough has been spread in the pan, any of these variations can be added before placing the bread in the oven to bake.
HERB FOCACCIA
Sprinkle top of focaccia with 2 or 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme or sage).
HERB AND ONION FOCACCIA
In a medium size skillet, sauté 2 sliced onions in a little olive oil; season with salt and pepper and cool. Spread onions on undimpled
focaccia and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with kosher salt; bake as directed above.
(Herbs also may be incorporated into dough before allowing dough to rise. In a sauté pan, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil, then add 4 to
5 ounces of each herb; cook, covered, about 20 minutes, or until herbs just began to color slightly. Cool and mix into dough. Pat out
dough and allow for it to rise as directed above. Sautéed onions also may be added to this version before baking).
TOMATO AND OLIVE FOCACCIA
Scatter 1 cup seeded chopped and drained canned plum tomatoes on dimpled focaccia. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2
or 3 tablespoons halved and pitted oil-cured olives; and a clove of garlic, sliced paper thin. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with kosher
salt; bake as directed above.
This wonderful Italian flat bread is among the easiest of all breads to prepare. It can easily made accompaniment to a meal, and is
great for sandwiches.
FOCACCIA WITH THYME AND GARLIC OLIVES
Drain and rinse the olives, mix them with the herbs and/or spices and place them in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the oil over
them; allow them to marinate for at least 2 days before using. (If you have used garlic, remove it after a few days so its strong flavor
doesn't overwhelm the other ingredients). The olives will keep in the refrigerator for 6 months. Bring to room temperature before
serving.
SESAME BREAD
1 Pk. active dry Yeast 1 Cup (2 sticks) Butter or, Margarine melted, cooled and divided
1 1/4 Cups warm Water (110-115 degrees) 3 1/2 Cups all-purpose Flour
1/4 Cup Sugar 1/3 Cup Sesame seeds
1 Tea. Salt
Dissolve yeast in a large mixing bowl with warm water. Stir in sugar, salt, eggs, 1/2 cup butter and flour; blend thoroughly. Cover and
let rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in bulk, about l hour. Stir down dough and pour into greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan.
Pour remaining 1/2 cup butter evenly over top and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from
refrigerator 25 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into 3-inch
squares and serve hot (Makes 12 squares.)
3 Pints ripe Strawberries, washed and hulled 2 Tbl. freshly squeezed Orange Juice
1 Pint Blueberries rinsed 2 Tbl. finely grated Orange Zest
1 Pint Blackberries rinsed 1/4 Cup chopped Mint leaves
1 Pint Raspberries, picked over 8 fresh Mint sprigs
2 Tbl. Unsweetened Apple Juice concentrate, thawed 1 Cup Orange Chantilly or non-fat plain Yogurt, Optional
Cut strawberries into quarters. Place in a large bowl with the blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
Mix apple juice concentrate, orange juice, zest and chopped mint together. Gently toss with berries. Let rest at room temperature for
1 - 2 hours before serving.
Spoon berries into a large serving bowl. Gather mint springs into a bouquet for garnish. Serve with Orange Chantilly or Yogurt, if
desired.
When combining berries with sauce or juice, fold gently from underneath with a rubber spatula so they don't bruise. When storing
berries, cover with plastic, wrap and keep in the vegetable crisper or on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator to prevent freezing.
BERRY PARFAIT
2 Pints ripe Strawberries, rinsed and hulled 1/4 Cup unsweetened Apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 Pint Raspberries, picked over (with 6 reserved for garnish) Pinch of ground Cinnamon
1 Pint Blueberries, rinsed 3 1/2 Cups non-fat plain Yogurt, drained slightly
1/2 Pint Blackberries, lightly rinsed (with 6 reserved for 6 fresh Mint sprigs
garnish)
Cut 1 pint of the strawberries into 1/2 inch pieces. Place in a large bowl along with the raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Set
aside.
To make the sauce, coarsely chop the remaining pint of strawberries. Place in a heavy saucepan with apple juice concentrate and
cinnamon. Cook for 10 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature, then puree in
a blender until very smooth. Toss 1 cup of the sauce with the berries in the bowl. Save the remaining sauce for another use.
To assemble the parfaits, use six 12-ounce parfait glasses, tall tumbler or beer glasses. Place 1/4 cup of berries in the bottom of
each glass. Top with 1/4 cup yogurt. Next, add another 1/4 cup berries, followed by another 1/4 cup yogurt. Finish with 1/2 cup
berries, dollop each one with one tablespoon of yogurt. Garnish each with 1 reserved raspberry and 1 blackberry and a sprig of
mint. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Dressings, Dips & Spreads
LUCIA'S HERBAL SALAD DRESSING
1 1/2 Cups virgin Olive oil Mixture of salad greens such as:
3 Tbl. Herb Vinegar Butter crunch Lettuce, Watercress tops, leaf Lettuce, and
Argula
1 Tbl. Honey Optional: Avocado slices, Canned Artichoke hearts (quartered)
and
4 Sprigs each: Salad Burnet, Marjoram, Oregano and Cucumber slices
Basil
Combine oil, vinegar, honey, salad burnet, marjoram, oregano and basil sprigs in blender and blend until smooth. Chill to 2 hours.
Use over a salad of mixed greens, adding any desired optional ingredients.
Separate garlic into individual cloves reserving 4 or 5 cloves. Lightly crush remaining garlic cloves; peel and coarsely chop them.
In large jar, place crushed garlic and cover with foil; seal tightly, store in the refrigerator for a week to ten days.
Strain the garlic-flavored oil and pour into a 1 liter bottle. Peel reserved garlic cloves and thread onto a long wood skewer. Insert
skewer into bottle. Add garlic-chive flowers, if desired. Seal and store bottle in the refrigerator (Makes 1 liter.)
WORD OF CAUTION - Ideal for stir-frying, this garlic-infused oil should always be kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator (38
degrees) to reduce the risk of botulism. Unrefrigerated garlic-in-oil mixes can foster the growth of CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM
BACTERIA, which produces toxins that do not affect the taste or smell of the oil. Spores of this bacterium are commonly found in
the environment and sometimes on produce such as garlic. These spores are harmless when there is oxygen present. But when
spore-containing garlic is bottled and covered with oil, an oxygen-free environment is created that promotes the germination of the
spores with subsequent toxin production resulting at temperatures of 50 degrees or above.
HOT-CHILI OIL
1/4 Cup small dried red chilies 3 3/4 Cups Vegetable oil
Into bottle, insert chilies and add oil. Seal and let stand in cool and bright but not sunny place for a month or so.
Check the peppery intensity, if it is to your liking, store chili oil in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator. Makes 1 Liter
Use this flavorful oil for stir-frying foods or as a dip for cooked foods. It's also great for marinating meats for grilling. The longer the
chilies steep in the oil, the stronger the flavor.
SWEET POTATO BUTTER
2 Garlic cloves Freshly ground Pepper to taste
2 Sweet Potatoes Fine Sea Salt to taste
2 medium Carrots 2 Tbl. chopped Parsley Or
1/2 to 3/4 Cup Vegetable broth 2 Tbl. chopped Cilantro (Opt.)
1 Tbl. extra-virgin Olive Oil
Put unpeeled garlic cloves on aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees in oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes, until soft.
Microwave or boil unpeeled potatoes until done. Peel carrots, cut into large chunks and microwave or boil until soft.
Drain carrots, peel potatoes and put both in a food processor. Squeeze in the baked garlic. Add 1/2 cup broth and blend. With motor
running, add oil and keep blending, adding more broth until puree is fairly smooth and full. Add salt and pepper to taste. Dip can be
made as long as a day in advance, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature for serving and stir in the optional herbs
right before serving with raw vegetables and breadsticks (Makes 6 servings.)
OLIVE PASTE
Put first 3 ingredients into a blender, chop coarse or puree if desired. Add small amount of olive oil to help mix well. Place into a
container, preferably with a non-metalic lid. Cover olives with oil to preserve.
Use on broiled meats and grilled fish, sandwiches and vegetables. Make sandwiches with olive paste, cheese, tomato and more
paste. This paste can be made with black olives or green, however, best used with a good grade of olives, such as Calmata-pitted,
black-oil cured and green Spanish. These can be purchased at specialty shops and whole foods stores.
Beverages
FRUIT AND SPICE TEA
2 Cups dried Lemon Verbena 1 Cup dried Orange Peel (see note)
1 Cup dried Chamomile 3 Tbl. whole Cloves, crushed
1 Cup diced Orange Mint 1 6-in. Cinnamon stick, crushed
Blend all of the ingredients together and store in a tightly covered tin. When ready to make tea, shake the tin well, and then spoon 1
teaspoon of the tea into a pot for each cup of water. Pour boiling water over the tea and let steep 5 to 10 minutes.
Note: To dry orange peel, scrape the inside of the shells clean after squeezing the oranges for juice. Leave only the orange part of
the peel (the zest). Cut in strips and set on a rack to dry. When brittle, break in small pieces and store in a covered jar.
HERBAL TEA
Using a non-metallic pot, bring 1 gallon of water up to, but not boiling.
Add a double handful of Mint of your choice, a double handful of Lemon Balm leaves, 1 1/2 Cups of Lemon Verbena leaves, and 1
cup of chopped Lemon Grass; which have been picked fresh and rinsed to remove any dust particles.
Reduce fire to simmer for 30 minutes. Lightly mash the herbs with a non metallic spoon to help release some of the oils. Remove
and let set to cool. Strain through a coffee filter or cheese cloth. Refrigerate until time to use, will keep for several days.
Measure out 2 cups of the infusion to one gallon of weak tea. Add 1 cup of Orange Juice and serve over ice.
This is one of the ways to make use of your herbs, when they are flourishing fully; besides it is so nice to have this on hand for a
refreshing drink anytime.
GINGER AND LEMON TEA
Bring water to a boil. Add lemon juice, the squeezed lemon, and ginger. Let steep about 20 minutes. Stir in honey. Strain tea into a
pitcher. Chill thoroughly and serve on ice with lemon and lime slices.
Vinegars
MULTIFLORAL VINEGAR
1/4 Cup torn Nasturtiums or Calendula flower petals 1 Cup white wine Vinegar
2 Tbl. Lavender flowers Few sprigs Lavender or Nasturtiums
2 Tbl. Borage flowers
In a small jar, place nasturtiums, lavender and borage flowers; pour vinegar over flowers and seal jar. Let stand in a cool dark place
for at least 3 to 4 weeks. Check after a few weeks to make sure the flowers are still covered by the vinegar, adding more if
necessary and resealing the bottle.
Strain the vinegar and pour into 1/2 pint bottle. Insert flower sprigs into the bottle and seal.
Great for fruit-salad dressings or sweet-and-sour sauces, this pastel colored vinegar also imparts a light, fragrant flavor when
splashed over green salads or grilled vegetables. Just be sure to use pesticide-free flowers.
COLESLAW VINEGAR
Into bottle, insert dill and lemon peel. Add vinegar, caraway seeds and salt. Seal and let stand in cool and bright, but not sunny place
for a month.
Check the flavor intensity, if it is to your liking, store vinegar in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.
Stirred into mayonnaise or combined with salad dressing blended with sour cream or plain yogurt, this vinegar makes a quick
dressing for shredded cabbage.
STRAWBERRY VINEGAR
1 1/2 Cups small ripe fresh Strawberries, hulled 1/2 Cup Sugar
1 1/2 Cups white wine Vinegar
In a medium size jar, place berries and vinegar. Seal jar and let stand in a sunny window for 3 to 4 days or until vinegar takes on a
bright red color. The berries will soften and lose their color.
Strain vinegar mixture into a 1 quart stainless-steel or enamel sauce pan and discard the berries. Stir sugar into vinegar and heat to
boiling. Simmer over low heat 10 minutes. Cool vinegar and pour into 1-pint bottle. Seal and store in a cool, dry place or in the
refrigerator.
Tart yet slightly sweet, this berry vinegar transforms plain fruit sauces and glazes into something special to complement roast duck,
pork, or ham. It's delicious with chicken and fruit salads.
Seasonings
SOUTHWESTERN SEASONING MIX
Combine all ingredients, store in an airtight container. Use as a seasoning for cooked vegetables, grilled meats or chip dips. Yield: 1
cup.
For use as a dip, combine 1 tablespoon mix with 1 cup sour cream and salt to taste. Chill for 1 hour.
EMERIL'S CREOLE SEASONING
Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container (Makes 2/3 Cup.)
Emeril's New Orleans Cooking
FINE HERBS
Mix and sift ingredients before measuring. Then place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend to a fine powder.
Store in tightly covered jar or a lightly corked bottle. Herbs will keep longer and keep their color if stored in dark glass containers.
This can be used as a table condiment.
BOUQUET GARNI
Parsley, Thyme and Bay Leaves form the foundation for bouquet garni. Add other dried herbs, such as Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley,
Chives and any others that you enjoy, put through processor and chop coarse. Use on foods such as soups, stews, braised dishes
and sauces by placing them in a cheese cloth tie or tea ball and dropping into food during cooking.
SEASONING BLEND I
THESE ARE SALT SUBSTITUTES AND CAN BE KEPT ON THE TABLE IN LIEU OF THE SALT SHAKER, using on vegetables,
salads, eggs or anything else you would normally use salt on.
VEGETABLE BLEND
1 1/2 Tbl. Onion powder 1 1/2 Tea. dry Mustard
1 1/2 Tbl. toasted Sesame Seeds 1 1/2 Tea. dried Dill Weed
1 Tbl. dried Chives 1 1/2 Tea. dried Red Bell Pepper flakes
1 Tbl. dried Tarragon
Use this blend in stir-fries with a bit of lemon juice or on any cooked vegetables, such as carrots, green beans or snow peas.
SEAFOOD BLEND 1
Try this blend on poached, grilled or baked fish, either before or after cooking. Use a light hand to avoid overwhelming delicate fish
flavors.
SEAFOOD BLEND II
This blend has a spicier flavor than the preceding one; enjoy the extra kick.
SAVORY STEAK RUB
Combine all ingredients; store in a covered container. Rub over steaks before grilling or broiling. Will season 4 to 5 steaks. Yield: 1/4
Cup.
SEASONED SALT
Combine salt, paprika, mustard, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, curry powder, onion powder, and dillweed. Pack in airtight
containers. Seal. Makes 1 Cup.
MAKE-YOUR-OWN-CURRY
Place all ingredients in shallow baking pan. Bake at 200 degrees for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place mixture in blender
container. Cover, blend until well ground, package in 1/4 cup portions (Makes 3/4 cups.)
POULTRY SEASONING
Combine parsley, sage, rosemary, marjoram, salt, pepper, onion powder, and ginger. Pour into airtight containers, seal. Shake well
before using (Makes 4 Cups.)
2.
• Combine 1 pint dry sherry, a 6-inch piece of rosemary, and honey to taste; remove rosemary after 3 days - Enjoy!
• Stuff whole onions each with a clove of garlic each; bake until tender and serve with sour cream and chopped chives.
• Deep fry curly parsley sprigs for a few seconds for a delicious garnish.
• For crunchy coleslaw, cut cabbage in half and soak in salted water for 1 hour. Drain and proceed with recipe.
• To test the freshness of dried herbs, rub them between your hands. If there's no smell they are no good.
• Are your soups and stews too salty? Add a raw potato to absorb the salt.
• Lettuce leaves will absorb fat. Place in pot and excess fat will cling to the leaves.
• Add one tablespoon butter to inexpensive cake mix for a richer flavor.
Marinades
• Perfect Chicken Marinade
Salad Dressings
• Mikki's Famous Garlic Tahiti dressing Rate It
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• Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing Rate It
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• Parmesan Thyme Dressing Rate It
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• Thyme Dressing Rate It
Sauces
• Pesto Rate It
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• Quick-n-easy tofu pesto (low fat too!) Rate It
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• Thyme Pesto Rate It
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• Valentines Tomato Sauce Rate It
Seasoning Blends