The Art Of Cooking With Herbs And Spices

Fact-filled, entertaining guide tells how to prepare and use hundreds of seasonings. Approximately 300 mouth-watering recipes from marinated lamb to spice cake.

A native of Sri Lanka and one of Hawai'i's most celebrated chefs, Kusuma Cooray is a pioneer in the blending of Asian spices and herbs with Western ingredients to create flavorful and aromatic dishes that please both the eye and the palate. In Burst of Flavor: The Fine Art of Cooking with Spices, Chef Cooray combines the foods of her South Asian childhood (spicy curries, fresh vegetables and fruits, curd, treacle) with her later discoveries as a culinary student in Europe (ripe cheeses, wine, crusty breads, creme fraiche) in new and imaginative ways. Throughout her diverse culinary education and experiences, Chef Cooray's love of spices and herbs never diminished. This compilation of more than 200 recipes showcases her bold use of fresh herbs and spices, from the familiar (nutmeg, fennel, saffron, basil) to the exotic (burnet, ajowan, mace, neem). Several dishes--a caviar and blini appetizer created for Rudolf Nureyev, a soup celebrating a visit by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis--are accompanied by lively anecdotes. Chef Cooray also provides some food history and serving suggestions-all written in her graceful and engaging style. Noted wine expert Richard Field contributes guidelines for wine selection and makes recommendations for ten specially selected recipes. A helpful glossary explains the characteristics and origin of the spices and herbs used in the recipes. Here is ample evidence of Chef Cooray's talent for creating exciting combinations of ingredients and flavors and for bringing out the best in each.

Culinary herbs and spices have been recognised globally for their dietary and medicinal uses for centuries. A growing body of research is acknowledging their health-promoting properties as well as their therapeutic potential with reference to a number of chronic non-communicable diseases including cancer and type 2 diabetes. The aim of this book is to bring together current knowledge of thirty of the most commonly used culinary herbs and spices globally in an accessible dictionary format. For each culinary herb or spice the following is covered: origin and history of use, including their use in food preservation and for medicinal purposes; nutritional composition; chemistry; sensory properties; adulteration; current and emerging research concerning their bioactive properties and their health promoting and therapeutic potential; safety; and adverse effects. The book is a central source of information for those who have a general interest in these foods, are studying plant and food science and nutrition, and who practice or have an interest in the culinary arts.

Unveil the secrets of your kitchen's spice rack with "The Essential Alchemy of Aromas," an enlightening exploration into the enchanting world of herbs and spices—a treasure trove for any culinary enthusiast. Embark on a flavorful journey that begins with the "Fundamentals of Culinary Herbs and Spices." Discover not just definitions but dive into the rich historical tapestry that has woven herbs and spices into the fabric of culinary traditions across the globe. Refine your sensory acuity and unravel the subtle nuances possessed by these kitchen magicians. Forge ahead to "Flavor Profiles and Pairings" where the mysteries of flavor groups are decoded, bringing to light the art of crafting balanced spice blends, and how to pair them imaginatively with a myriad of foods. Through this chapter, the promise of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary lies at your fingertips. "The Art of Selection and Storage" guides you through selecting the freshest aromatics and how to ensconce them in time, retaining their vibrant essence. In "Techniques of Preparation and Usage," learn to amplify flavors through toasting, grinding, and infusing, harnessing the maximum potency of each pinch and leaf. Ever dreamed of a bountiful garden filled with your own herbs and spices? "Herb and Spice Gardens at Home" is your stepping stone to actualizing that verdant vision right on your windowsill or backyard, complete with practicable insights on care and harvesting. Navigate through scintillating chapters such as "The Unique World of Peppercorns," "The Chilli Pepper Spectrum," and "The Mystique of Exotic Spices." Each one a gateway to a particular category of spice, offering deep dives into specific varieties such as the opulent saffron and the piquant world of peppercorns. A veritable symphony of aromas awaits in "Sweet Spices in Baking and Desserts," while the "Spices and Herbs in Beverage Making" chapter elevates your libations with a swirl of herbal pizzazz. "The Essential Alchemy of Aromas" is more than a guide—it is an invitation to awaken the dormant alchemist within you, guiding you through a transformative culinary experience. Whether finding the perfect herb for your roasting or concocting an aromatic infusion, this book is the quintessence of the flavorful, the fragrant, and the fantastic. Prepare to be whisked away on an adventure where every sprinkle and sprig whispers ancient stories, waiting for you to write the next chapter in your kitchen.

Identifying and using herbs and spices, with fascinating history and growing advice, and delectable recipes.