National Herbs and Spices Day Confectionery and Training
Herb – any plant with flowers, seeds or leaves. and can be used for medicinal purposes, perfume, flavouring, or used in foods.
What are the most common herbs??? Can you guess??
They are Basil, Cilantro, Mint, Oregano, Italian Parsley, Rosemary, Dill, Sage, Curly Parsley, and Thyme.
What is your favourite? mine is mint. I freeze it in ice to make cocktails, use it in mint sauce, put it in drinks, and mint and pea mash potato is so lovely to eat. Spearmint can be used in desserts and jellies. Mint is so easy to grow. Here is a tip, buy a pot from the supermarket use it and then plant the pot in the garden or just leave it in the pot outside, it will grow again.
Basil is also easy to grow, but keep the soil moist, great in Pizza’a and tomato and basil soup.
Rosemary is another favourite of mine. It can be used in soups, poultry and lamb dishes. It will grow all year round. I have had some in a pot outside for about 6 years and it keeps growing.
Sage is popular and used in stuffing dishes and seasonings for meat. You need to cut it directly off the plant though
If growing herbs indoors they like sunlight so place them on a sunny windowsill
My gardening cake
Spices – A pungent or aromatic vegetable substance used to flavour foods e.g cloves, cumin, ginger
What are the most common spices??? Do you know??
They are Black Pepper, Thyme, Cinnamon, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Rosemary, Cayenne Pepper, Nutmeg, Cumin, Paprika,
I find that black peppercorns give a better flavour than just pepper. It is great in dishes like pasta and soups.
Oregano is amazing when used in homemade tomato sauces, so delicious
Cumin can be used in Italian, African and South American dishes. It has a smoky earthy taste. Can be used in soups, grilled meats, and egg dishes and gives a lovely flavour.
Paprika and smoked Paprika. I prefer the smoked one, it gives a kick to chilli dishes and soups but don’t forget you can add but cannot take out. You have a problem if you add too much so add a little at a time
On the sweet side Cinnamon reminds me of Christmas. You can buy cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon. I love Welsh cakes with cinnamon sugar, so good to taste. It can be used sparingly in tomato sauce and chilli
Nutmeg is used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Great in cheese and white sauces.
Don’t forget to add spices and herbs to dishes by doing this you probably won’t need salt and it is healthier for you in the long run
Have a try on your dishes
Happy baking/cooking
Caroline x
