Meal Plan Monday Spices/Herbs

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Well a little late here but if you only knew...

of course if you have known me long you'll have a pretty good idea:)

Taxes are done and mailed!

Felt so good to hand print my final copy and send it off.

We got almost everything back.

Itemizing takes a lot of effort and time.

That old saying..." time is money"

So now onto meals

click on any image to enlarge

yes we have hens but we will give them a bit of support here and there:)

A word here on the lost art of "Gleaning". Now Ruth of old she was good at it and took care of loved ones practicing the humility of doing so.

It takes an art of knowing when to hit the stores. Right after holiday's is a real good time. 

See the stores bought too much inventory...see the eggs and the ham.

So menu is set accordingly. There were several other items but I need to get done.

Oh a good early investment in all marriages is a freezer to store such meats for later use. Freezer love beef. Remember that beef also likes to age a bit. So the day of use is even a better choice as long as the store keeps it real cold.

In The west our grocers carry a line of products for our Hispanic citizens.

These spices are VERY GOOD AND INEXPENSIVE!

Same thing as in the bottles or tins.

Yes my friends I really do use many herbs and spices.

Think few pantry stock items cooked many different cultural ways.

Oh the spice of life!

the saying goes with good reason

I have spoken before about buying in bulk at a health food store or at ethnic stores.

Herb of the week...

Basil

Ever-present in most Italian recipes, this herb is an easily grown garden annual. In India it is thought to be sacred to Hindu deities and regarded as the protecting spirit of the family.  The leaves are dried and crumbled for use in a wide variety of dishes that are enhanced by its mild, sweet flavor.  The intensity of the flavor may be judged by the color of the leaves. Purple basil is more flavorful than green.

Cheese and egg dishes lend themselves to the effects of the delicate, unique flavor of basil. For Italian tomato and mushroom dishes , it is a real must!

The Idea behind the use of spices and herbs in cooking is for flavor enhancement- not to overpower the natural flavor of foods. It takes time to get amounts right for your taste.

other uses

Soups, meat pies,stews, peas, and string beans.

Enjoy!