The history of spice is a long and fascinating one. For thousands of years, people have used spices to add flavor to their food, for medicinal purposes, and even as currency. Today, we enjoy spices from all over the world in our cooking. Here are ten interesting facts about the history of spice. 1. The first recorded use of spice dates back to 3000 BC in ancient Sumeria. In Sumeria, people used spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric to flavor their food. These spices were also used for medicinal purposes like treating colds and digestive issues. Back then, people believed that spices had magical powers and could even…
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Using Herbs and Spices In Your Cooking
Herbs and spices are a blessing in the kitchen, capable of adding a delicious twist to bland meals. A well-seasoned meal is like having a flavor party in your mouth, while a meal that lacks seasoning or is poorly done will pretty much send people wincing behind the dinner table. So naturally, herbs and spices are at the heart of proper seasoning. Beyond their rich flavor, they also offer several health benefits, including serving as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Here’s how to use herbs and spices to take your cooking to the next level. Label bottles with dates Image Credit To get the best seasoning effect, you want to use…
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Roasted Chicken Thighs with Herb Butter
One of the most simple cooking methods is roasting. Roasting means to oven cook food, whether meats or vegetables, in a shallow uncovered pan. This method usually produces a well-browned exterior and moist interior. Temperatures for roasting are generally higher than for baking, and the pan must be uncovered so the food does not stew in its own juices. Another criterion for roasting is that it requires fat, either as part of the food like duck or added, like butter to potatoes. Cuts of meat or poultry for roasting must be reasonably tender. Tougher pieces are better prepared with moist cooking methods such as braising. What happens in roasting? An…
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5 Essential Cooking Skills Taught in Culinary School
Most home cooks wish we could afford culinary school. Not necessarily to get into the restaurant industry, but to “sharpen” our kitchen skills. Recently attending a cooking school function, I learned exactly what the syllabus of a culinary school includes. Here are 5 basic cooking skill elements taught in culinary school. I. Knife Skills for Cooking Knives are the most important tool in your kitchen. Using them properly and having proper technique will provide less risk of injury, faster prep times and better results in your cooking. When using a knife, watch the non-knife hand, keeping the food steady. The knife tip never leaves the cutting board surface. Use the…
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Container Vegetable Gardening Tips
Usually, this time of year, I am monitoring my garden, watering and looking forward to a June harvest; however, due to breaking a bone in my foot at the end of April, I have been limited on what I can do. My plot garden never was tilled and nothing was planted. Until recently, it was not even mowed. I am grateful I purchased and planted several tomato plants, some herbs, a pepper plant and some lettuce before I injured myself. Doctors told me, I broke a bone attached to two tendons in my foot; resulting in an extra long time of healing. After four weeks of limited mobility, struggling with…
