There are, by my count, at least seven levels of fried chicken. The worst of them is good; the best, which I waited forty-four years to find, led to what can only be called an out-of-body experience. Let’s start at …
Aromatic Gourmet Spices
Meals don't taste complete without some sort of seasoning from spices. Considered the most aromatic part of a plant, spices come from the seeds, barks and fruit. Because of these spices' taste and aroma, they can add flair to any gourmet fare. Some of the more popular aromatic gourmet spices include anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, saffron and turmeric. Add this to my Recipe Box.
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Anise
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Aniseed, also known as anise, is an aromatic spice that has a licorice-like taste that adds a gourmet touch to baked goods such as cakes and cookies. This spice is sometimes used in savory dishes with eggs and cheese. You can find anise available as whole seeds or in a ground form.
Cardamom
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Cooks use cardamom in both sweet and savory dishes, from cakes to curry. You can find cardamom in pods or ground forms. It is best to buy this spice, however, in pod form. Pods preserve cardamom's spicy-sweet flavor and aroma.
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Cinnamon
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Cinnamon is a spice you can find almost anywhere. Cooks typically use this sweet spice in baked goods such as apple pie. Cinnamon can also add an aromatic and gourmet touch to dishes with chicken, lamb or rice. You can find cinnamon available in stick or powder form.
Cumin
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Cumin belongs to the parsley family. Known for its strong and distinctive aroma, cumin seeds also have a warm flavor. You'll find this seasoning in Mexican and Indian dishes. Cumin is available as whole seeds or as a ground powder. To improve flavor, toast the spice for two to three minutes in an empty, dry sauté pan.
Saffron
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The world's most expensive spice, is saffron consists of the stigmas of the crocus flower. The flavor of the spice is described as grassy, honey-like and slightly bitter. Saffron is best used sparingly to avoid a metallic and medicinal taste. Some cooks use this spice in cheese, curry and seafood dishes. Saffron can be purchased as threads and as powder.
Turmeric
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Chefs can use turmeric as a coloring agent or as a flavoring agent. Turmeric's yellowish hue is often used in place of saffron for visual purposes. This spice is in mustard and curry powder. Turmeric has mild aromatic properties with a warm, earthy flavor. Use turmeric in rice dishes, relishes and homemade canned goods.
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- Photo Credit Spoon filled with saffron image by Han van Vonno from Fotolia.com
