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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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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Worldly Spices and Flavors
As home cooks and gardeners, we know plant growth and agriculture directly relate to geography and climatic conditions. For this reason, herbs and spices directly influence a region’s culinary fare. When creating delicious dishes at home, it is important home chefs familiarize themselves with the different herbs and spices. Through experimentation and practice, you will find yourself developing a feel for seasonings that will enable you to produce more consistently good flavor in your meals. Basic Principals for Herbs and Spices There are some basic guidelines in using spices and culinary flavors. The most important principal is herbs and spices should enhance the natural flavor of food, rather than dominate…
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Cocktail Spirits Elevated by Bitters
What are “bitters?” Historically, bitters were derived from herbs, roots, fruits, infused with wine and used medicinally during Egyptian times. During the Middle Ages, distilled alcohol was included but bitters were still used as a preventative medicine. In the 19th Century, the British incorporated Canary Wine (white fortified wine imported from mainland Spain or the Canary Islands). Sherry and Port are fortified wines, which are wines augmented with a dose of brandy or other spirit. By the early 1800’s, Americans had developed what we now know as the “cocktail,” a mixture of liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters. Today, they are used to flavor…
