Learning how to Cook - Garnishes & Herbs & Spices

S

St. Phatty

Active member

• Feb 19, 2016

• #1

I'm just now eating some radishes, cilantro, and sweet pickles.

That's what I mean by garnishes - APPETIZERS.

Every thing from celery sticks with some dip, to nacho's.

Herb & spice wise, I started cooking with Garlic and Ginger.

So much for the Herbs & Spices starting with a G.


What are your favorite appetizers & Herbs & Spices ?

 

Green Squall

Well-known member

• Feb 20, 2016

• #2

Sounds nice and light, the way it should be. I swear, some of the appetizers I see nowadays look like small meals!

I've always like shellfish for apps, maybe some steamed dumplings if they are available. Another good one is sliced tomatoes, with fresh mozzarella and basil (not dried).

Being a huge fan of garlic, I was shocked to read recently that 60% of garlic in the US is grown in China. California simply can't compete with the prices.

 

_tessarecting

ஓ

• Feb 20, 2016

• #3

Edamame

 

shithawk420

Well-known member

Veteran

• Feb 23, 2016

• #4

Can't beat fresh organic salsa from your own garden

 

WelderDan

Well-known member

Veteran

• Feb 23, 2016

• #5

When I was in San Francisco, I got hooked on Olive oil and bread. Super simple, but with the right bread, olive oil and herbs, it's addictive.

Use good artisan bread. Focaccia or Olive bread. Or any crusty bread of your liking.

Use good quality Extra Virgin Olive oil. None of that cut rate crap. You can just use plain quality oil, but I like to use herbs in it. Peppercorns, garlic cloves, fresh Thyme, fresh Rosemary, fresh Basil and Parsley. Maybe some red pepper flakes, cut up Thai chili's or cayenne if you like a bit of heat. Whatever spices you like.

I put the oil and spices into a salad dressing bottle and let it sit at least overnight, 24 hours is better. Then pour some in a bowl and dip pieces of bread in it and enjoy.

It's frigging addicting.

 

stoned-trout

if it smells like fish

Veteran

• Feb 23, 2016

• #6

when cilantro starts to become coriander and is still green muddle it and add it to a bloody mary....it adds an awesome taste...yeehaw,,,now you know my bloody mary secret..the cats out of the bag now...

 

I

iTarzan

Well-known member

• Feb 23, 2016

• #7

Shrimp toast

vegies dipped in balsamic vinegar

california olive oil and white vinegar salad with black olives

 

_tessarecting

ஓ

• Feb 23, 2016

• #8

No Knead Bread
So easy anyone with a pot and oven can slam it

 

B

Betterhaff

Well-known member

Veteran

• Feb 23, 2016

• #9

I’ll second the olive oil and rustic bread. A little drizzle of balsamic in the oil is a classic. A few instances I’ve comprised a good Italian meal as I gorged on this only to end up too full at the end. Moderation is the key but when it’s so good…well…

 

Green Squall

Well-known member

• Feb 23, 2016

• #10

Popover's.

A popover is a light, hollow roll made from an egg batter similar to that of Yorkshire pudding

 

WelderDan

Well-known member

Veteran

• Feb 24, 2016

• #11

The family goes ape over my mini stuffed Bell peppers. They are like jalapeno poppers, only I use baby Bell peppers and they are baked not deep fired.

Cut the ends off a dozen or two assorted baby Bells (red, yellow, orange, green) and remove ribs and seeds. Blanche for 2 minutes in boiling water and remove to paper towels.

Mix 1 cup Ricotta, 1/4 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese along with finely chopped Basil, Oregano, Chives, Garlic and Cilantro, along with some salt and pepper. Add or omit anything you want.

Use a pastry bag or cut the corner off a plastic bag and squeeze the cheesemix into the peppers. Place several peppers in each cup of a muffin pan. This allows them to sit up and not fall over and let the cheese ooze out.

Place a pinch of mozzarella on top of each pepper and bake at 375 until the mozzarella browns a little and seals the top.

It's a little work, but it's festive and my relatives go ape shit over it. If I ask about bringing an appetizer, "Peppers!" gets the shout out.

 

R

RoyalStone

Member

• Mar 2, 2016

• #12

One of my favorite things to make although time consuming is Croquetas, I also love making Ropa Vieja. Good old cuban comfort food

 

stoned-trout

if it smells like fish

Veteran

• Mar 6, 2016

• #13

basil for pesto..yeehaw...simple to make ..finding pine nuts is the only hard part at times ..I have to go to the yuppie grocery store