Lovage is a member of the parsley family with a long history in European cooking. It provides an intense flavor that is perfect for potato dishes but that is versatile enough to be used in soups and stews. If you plan to cook authentic-tasting German or Eastern European dishes, you …
Sage is best known for its role in Thanksgiving dinner, where it is used to flavor the turkey and sometimes the stuffing as well. The fact that it works well with turkey does not mean that its use is limited to that one role. Its rich flavor is an excellent …
The herb safflower is known for its bright yellow flowers, the petals of which are used both for dying fabrics and as a spice in Latin American, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern dishes. The seeds are also used to make oil that is regarded as heart healthy. The dried safflower …
Mahlab is the spice made from the ground pit of a wild cherry that is used to flavor numerous Greek and Middle Eastern pastries. It is one of those flavors that is largely unfamiliar to western taste buds. If you are in the US, you may have a hard time …
Mustard powder is also known as ground mustard or dry mustard. It is the ground seeds of the mustard plant, and you can use it to make a host of savory dishes. Mustard powder provides food with a pungent, tangy burst of acidity and a mild heat that can cut …
The Spanish refer to smoked paprika as pimenton and they use it in a range of their dishes like paella as well as in various soups and stews. It consists of peppers that are first dried, then smoked and ground to a powder. The varieties of smoked paprika range from …
Sazon seasoning is one of the key seasoning blends in Central American and Caribbean cooking. It is used in many of the region’s cooking styles, including those with European and African origins. You will need sazon (and its tasty umami flavor), especially if you are cooking Puerto Rican dishes. If …
Parsley is best known as a garnish. Most people think of it as something green that you chop and sprinkle onto your food to add contrast and not much else. The reality is that parsley is a versatile herb that can do as much for the flavor of your food …