Archive for the ‘Herbs & Spices’ Category

November 21, 2009

Great Salt Debates

By in Condiments, Herbs & Spices

How does salt enhance flavor?  I have read different explanations and don’t know which one is the most accurate a reason—or if they all play a part.  One interesting fact I have read recently in a book called The Inquisitive Cook is that salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), stimulates your taste receptors, since those nerves [...]

July 19, 2009

Layering Flavors

By in Breakfast&Brunch, Entrees, Herbs & Spices, Tips & Techniques

Mushroom Leek Filling for Crêpes

It’s not an actual secret or anything, but I like to think of layering flavors as an ace in my pocket.  It’s a trick that may be obvious, but doing it intentionally makes me feel like a cooking genius.  Hey, I’ll take it.  At this moment, the kind of “layering” I’m talking about is actually the repetition [...]

May 4, 2009

Lemon Balm, Two Ways

By in Condiments, Herbs & Spices, Sauces

Important fact about lemon balm: It belongs to the mint family.  Important fact about mint: many varieties would take over the world if given the opportunity.    Neither of these facts stopped me a few years ago when I blithely tucked a pert lemon balm plant into my garden bed.  I sorta knew, and I [...]