Herb & Spice Mixes

[KYHeirloomer]

I keep getting asked what's in certain herb and spice mixes. I figured it would be a good idea to start an on-going thread in which we discussed these various blends, what they are, and what they are used for.

I'll start with Herbes de Provence.

Herbes de Provence is a mixture of aromatic herbs that grow wild in the hills of southern France. Every housewife would have her own mix; indeed, the mix would likely change for any particular dish. During the summer these herbs would always be used fresh. But they'd be dried for winter use as well.

Typical ingredients would include rosemary, marjoram, basil, thyme, bay leaf, lavender, mint, savory, etc.

There was no standard mixture until the 1970s, when several companies began packaging them. While glass jars are typical in America, in Europe they come in small crockery containers.

Here is a recipe for a do-it-yourself mix:

1 tbls each: thyme, chervil, rosemary, summr savory.
1 tsp each lavender, tarragon, marjoram
1/2 tsp oregano

Herbes de Provence are typically used when grilling meats, and roasting fowl. An interesting flavor boost, when grilling, is to lay sprigs of the fresh herbs right on the coals, under the meat.

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

Interesting...I just have a quick question why use Lavender? I typically think of it as a fragrance associated with Perfume, or air fresheners, or sachets. Am not at all sure I would like it in food.

I will list some of my favorite mixes when I get home.
Thanks, Cathy

[CanMan]

Apple Pie Spice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1 dash ground cloves -- or ginger.

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BLACKENING SPICE

3 teaspoons Paprika
2 teaspoons Salt
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
3/4 teaspoon White Pepper
3/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano

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Creole Seasoning

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

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Healthy Soy Sauce

1 1/2 cup boiling water
4 tablespoons low sodium beef bouillon (dry)
1 tablespoon dark molasses
4 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil, or vegetable oil

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

Hi Kyh,

To Repeat My Earlier Posted Question.......why Lavender? Please Elaborate For Me As It Seems Odd. What Kind Of A Flavor Does It Impart? And What Besides Meat Is It Used As A Flavor In?

Some Of My Favorite Spice Mixes Are Cavender's Greek Seasoning And A Good Old Favorite Called Spike And Adobo. They Are My Favorites And I Did Not Forget To List The Ingredients, But Am Wondering If You Want Me To List Them Since They Are All Store Bought?

Cathy

[KYHeirloomer]

Cathy,

Haven't been ignoring your question. Just been up to it in alligators, and will be busy until the end of the week.

I'll try and respond more fully then. But Lavender (which, btw, is the ultimate feel-good drug) is a fairly common ingredients in Mediterranean and Mid-Eastern cusines.

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

Hi KYH,
OK I will be patient and await your reply (ok I lied I will actually anxiously await your reply).
OK so now I am really wondering about this Lavender!!! Feel Good drug huh? Of late I have made several purchases at the GNC to purchase items (food supplements & vitamins) that they claim help if you suffer from Carpal Tunnel syndrome and started a daily regime of taking them. One such ingredient is the St. John's Wort as it supposedly helps soothe nerves, and the nerve that is causing the pain can be helped by St. John's Wort. Maybe Lavender would make a nice addition to my daily intake of vit's and supplements!

CCCathy

[CanMan]

French chefs in and around Provence, France have been incorporating this herb into their cuisine for many centuries. Lavender lends a floral, slightly sweet and elegant flavour to most dishes.

Lavender has been used extensively in herbalism. English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, yields a highly effective essential oil with very sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications.

An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of lavender are also said to ward off insects. If applied to the temples, lavender oil is said to soothe headaches. Lavender is frequently used as an aid to sleep and relaxation.

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

Thank you CanMan for the info! I love Lavender as a fragrance, now I am finding out all these other lovely uses, how interesting!
Thanks, CCCathy

[George]

Interesting...I just have a quick question why use Lavender? I typically think of it as a fragrance associated with Perfume, or air fresheners, or sachets. Am not at all sure I would like it in food.

I will list some of my favorite mixes when I get home.
Thanks, Cathy

Actually Lavender is quite useful and delicious in cooking...

Here is a blog I wrote about using Lavender in cooking.

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

Thank you George I read your blog, and learned something new!
I appreciate it, Cathy