More Than Just a Leaf!

For those who think they don’t know how to cook with herbs, this is for you. I will start by saying I’m a Texan, born and raised. I say that because in my cooking world, while raising my children, my seasoning methods were cream gravy, ketchup, bacon grease and garlic salt.

I too didn’t know “how to” cook with herbs, or so I thought. I’m not a gourmet cook; if it’s not simple I probably won’t cook it. Still I have learned to incorporate fresh dried herbs and our seasonings daily and in every meal or bite to eat.

I will post some simple ways to use fresh or fresh dried herbs. I will list simple additions which will take what’s ordinary and make it special. I will begin with Bay Leaf.

Bay Leaf

These are leaves from a Bay Laurel tree. (NOTE: these trees do grow well here in Texas.) The leaves get their full flavor once they are dried. Once you begin adding the mildly flavored spice into your everyday meals, you will wonder why you haven’t always used them.

It is important to add them during the cooking process and remove them prior to serving the food. This is because the Bay Leaves are very tough and abrasive if ingested. Don’t let that stop you, the flavor is very nice.

Simple Additions:

• 1.Add 1 or 2 to any tomato sauce, soup or stew
• 2.When cooking your roast, add in 2 to 3 bay leaves
• 3.If you cook any meat or seafood in water or sauce add 2 to 3 bay leaves
• 4.Add to any tomato based sauce, soup or stew
• 5.Add 1 or 2 to your water when cooking dried beans or lentils
• 6.Add 1 or 2 to your canned vegetables

Yes, Health Benefits are added too. This spice has many volatile active components. These compounds are known to have been antiseptic, anti-oxidant, digestive, and thought to have anti-cancer properties.

So with just one small change to what you are already cooking, now you have a dish that is a bit more delightful in flavor and added health benefits.

And did you know that most herbs are great for many pourposes other than just cooking? For example, You can also put Bay Leaves out in the open on a shelf to detour moths, silverfish, flies, roaches and mice.

Awesome things to know about this great simple leaf that’s more than just your typical leaf!