The Complete Idiot's Guide to Spices and Herbs

280 Pages·2008·1.38 MB·English

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by Leslie Bilderback, CMB
A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

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by Leslie Bilderback, CMB
A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
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Published by the Penguin Group
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ISBN: 1-4362-9441-X
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2007930853
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1 Using Spices and Herbs 3
In this overview of spices and herbs, I teach you
how to buy, store, use, and preserve them and
present some mythology, medicinal properties,
and flavor combinations.
2 Spices and Herbs at Home 19
Here you’ll learn how to grow your own spices
and herbs, and how to preserve their flavor
in vinegar or oil. Some nonedible recipes help
spread their fragrance throughout your home.
3 The Science of Flavor 41
This chapter examines the differences between
taste and flavor. It investigates each of the basic
tastes and how they can be combined to create
interest on your plate.
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4 Spices and Herbs, A to Z 57
Here you’ll find an extensive collection of spices
and herbs, listed alphabetically, with descriptions
of appearance, flavor, uses, and availability.
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A Glossary 211
B Spice Blends and Condiments 217
C Chile Pepper Guide 247

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A Brief History..............................................................3
Spices.............................................................................5
Cooking With Spices....................................................6
More Bang for Your Spice Buck....................................7
Herbs.............................................................................7
Dried Herbs.................................................................7
Fresh Herbs.................................................................8
Ancient Remedies and Power.......................................9
Cooking Creatively with Spices and Herbs................12
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Choosing Your Crop...................................................20
Outdoor Gardens.......................................................22
Indoor Gardens..........................................................23
Special Plantings........................................................24
Planting........................................................................24
Sowing Seeds.............................................................25
Collecting Seeds..........................................................26
Extended Care...........................................................26
Preserving Flavor.........................................................27
Drying Herbs............................................................28
Natural Drying.........................................................28
Ovens and Dehydrators..............................................29
Storing Dried Herbs..................................................29
Freezing Herbs..........................................................30
Blending Tea..............................................................31
A Garden in Your Pantry............................................31
Safety First................................................................32
Flavored Vinegars......................................................33
Flavored Oils.............................................................34
Compound Butter......................................................36
Fragrance Throughout Your Home...........................37
Potpourri...................................................................38
Sachets, Simmers, and Soaks......................................38
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Stick Out Your Tongue...............................................41
The Tongue Map.......................................................42
How Your Taste Buds Work........................................42
An Explanation of Taste..............................................43
Salty..........................................................................44
Sour..........................................................................45
Sweet.........................................................................46
Bitter.........................................................................47
Umami.....................................................................48
Sensing Flavor.............................................................48
The Nose Knows........................................................48
Mouthfeel..................................................................49
Temperature..............................................................50
Eat With Your Eyes...................................................51
Combining the Senses.................................................51
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Achiote.........................................................................58
Agar..............................................................................59
Agave............................................................................60
Agave Vinaigrette......................................................61
Aji-No-Moto...............................................................61
Ajowan.........................................................................62
Aloo Paratha Bread...................................................63
Allspice.........................................................................64
Almond........................................................................65
Alum.............................................................................65
Amaranth.....................................................................66
Amchoor......................................................................67
Sweet Fruit Chutney.................................................68
Ammonia Bicarbonate.................................................68
Ancho...........................................................................69
Anaheim.......................................................................69
Angelica.......................................................................69
Candied Angelica.......................................................70
Anise.............................................................................71