Spices

Most herbs, including mint, are extracted by the same process. This process involves creating a solution comprised of three parts herb to one part solvent. The solvent is usually alcohol, although...

Rosemary is a strong herb and needs to be used sparingly so that it will enhance rather than overpower certain dishes. Rosemary works well with foods that are relatively bland or need a slight,...

You can design and assemble your favorite herbs and spices into your own unique blend. Give every dish your signature "Bam", pep it up a bit!

Pickling spice blends are easy to make at home in just a few minutes. Make batches of the mix in advance for anytime pickling of meats and vegetables. Added to a sweet or salty brine, pickling...

Over time, spices become hard in spice jars. When you need a specific spice for a recipe and you realize that the remaining spice in the jar is hardened in the bottom of the jar, do not despair....

Stevia is the sweetest plant in the world--its sweetness is up to 700 times that of sugar. With all of this sweetness, stevia does not cause tooth rot, increase blood sugar levels or cause weight...

Vanilla is the most commonly used flavoring in the United States, and is made from the pods of the vanilla plant. These pods can be 8 to 12 inches in length, with a smooth, black surface. Vanilla...

I love using rub seasoning on my steaks, chicken, and veal. The aroma fills the air with a teasing whisper of what's to come. The taste is so wonderful and exciting. You'll see how easy it is to...

Herbal oils can add unique flavor to the dishes you cook. It is very easy to make them and customize them to your liking. That way, you will have ready-to-use flavor without having to run to the...

Many of my family members and friends live in states other than my Louisiana. Here is a way for you and others to get that beloved Creole seasoning we are accustomed to using. Purchasing the...

My son, Alex, is in the process of recovering from autism and cannot have any gluten. Unfortunately, there is question as to whether commerically made vanilla extract contains gluten or not. ...

Vanilla's distinct aroma evokes ice cream, home baked cookies and cakes but vanilla and vanilla extract have a multitude of uses. Aromatherapists and perfumers use vanilla. Dieticians at St....

Most of us remember as licorice as the pungent black candies we ate as children. But licorice is more than that. This woody perennial herb is used as a tonic for a variety of ailments, including...

Oil of oregano is a beneficial preparation. Oregano is an aromatic herb that has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and antiviral properties. Its scientific name is Oreganum...

Wondering what else to do with all those delectable kumquats? Love Indian food and preserved fruits? Kumquat pickle is a variation on traditional Indian lemon pickle. Try this easy recipe to make...

Growing your own basil is very economical. Once the summer ends, however, you need to find a way to preserve your basil so that you have some to use during the winter. You may also want to...

Each time when i bought a jar of garlic powder,i told myself this is the last time & from next time i would make it myself.Finally i decided to put an end to the procastination and get into...

There are times when you are asked to add a tablespoon of freshly ground coriander. Or cinnamon. We all would love to have a grinder for each herb we have in our pantry, but the reality is they...

An effective form of pepper spray can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of purchasing capsicum spray from a retailer. It can be made in small batches or the recipe can be doubled and the...

Homemade vanilla extract is simple to make and will add terrific flavor to all your favorite recipes that require it.

No matter what you plan to use it for, you may be wondering how exactly to go about storing your fresh mint. And with the price of any fresh herb today, it's a very good and valid question. Hey,...

The pungent, zesty flavor of fresh garlic is most intense right after it has been cut. However, properly stored garlic can offer a comparable alternative.

Lemon extract is one of those groceries that is so easy to make at home and so much cheaper! But for some reason no one does it. In these economic times, it’s time to start making more things...

James Beard, the famous American chef and food writer, once said, “I believe that if ever I had to practice cannibalism, I might manage if there were enough tarragon around.” Common...

Herb infused vinegars are available in just about every supermarket and are a fast and easy way to season a variety of foods, from salads to meats. However, you can hand craft your own herbal...

Once you make a simple herbal infused vinegar for salads and veggies, you can begin to experiment with different herbs, fruits and vinegars to make a wide variety of infusions for your favorite...

In the herb family, pineapple sage is the master of disguises, as this beautiful garden plant with red flowers smells just like fresh pineapple when you bruise the leaves. Pineapple sage ready for...

Always wanted to know how to make vanilla sugar the easy way? Here you go!

Learn how to go natural! Tincturing is very easy - let's do it!