Sunday, October 26, 2008

Do you know something about Herbs de Provence?

By Manuel Wiggins

Herbs de Provence; Old World Flavor with a New Name

Herbs de Provence is a mixture of herbs originating from Provence, in southern France. It was unknown, even to the people of that region, until the phrase was coined by spice companies in the 1970s when they began formulating their own blends for commercial sale.

The herbs may be used fresh, or mixed with other herbs. Traditionally, it consists of some other ingredients, such as bay leaf, thyme, orange zest, lavender flowers, basil, marjoram, and rosemary. Herbs de Provence is varied either in manufacture or tastes of people.

Flavorful Uses

This great herb is used to flavor foods grilled. Sometimes it is used while cooking meat and fish as well. Countries of Mediterranean are famous for making delicious dishes containing this herb. They add it to soups, using it as a method of flavoring oils. Pizza and sauces are preferred with some addition of that herb.

Several great recipes are used for Herbs de Provence during the daily cooking. You have to try to rub the herbs on beef, chicken or lamb. As soon as you rub with olive oil, pepper and salt, you can rub the mixture onto the surface of the meat or chicken. You can try to sprinkle it to the hot coals.

Select either the ordinary or sensational

You can select potatoes de Provence to get more changes. Initially, select three large pieces of potatoes and cut them into thin pieces. Coal them with olive oil and put in the 450o oven for 25 minutes. As soon as the crispy and golden appears you may take them from the oven.

If you are a fan of aroma and flavor of herb bread you can bake some herbs de Provence. Just add 2 spoons of herbs de Provence to a double loaf. Just you will act according to that delicious French bread recipe. An oven may be heated to 400o before you bake for 10 minutes. You can reduce the heat degree to 350o for 20 minutes. Remove from pan and leave it to be cooled.

Herbs de Provence is a versatile blend of herbs that that can be varied to suit you taste and specific recipes but it will always bring a bit of old world taste to all your favorite dishes. - 15634

About the Author: