Tips and Such
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Tips and Such
Storage
Herb blends should always be stored away from light and in a cool place. When temperatures reach into the 80's and 90's all dried herbs start to loose their flavor. In the summer, herbs are especially prone to insect damage unless they are stored in the freezer or refrigerator. Simply place the herb packages in an air tight container and store in the refrigerator or freezer. You should always try to use the herb blends within 6 to 12 months. After a year, the herbs loose flavor naturally, even when stored under the optimal conditions. So, to get the best flavor, use them soon after their purchase.
Always store unused herbs, herb blends, dips, soups, and pasta in the refrigerator or freezer to retain freshness
Pasta's can be stored in the same way as the herbs, in a cool dry area. Use the pastas within the 6 month period.
TIP - Do not over cook the pasta. One of the biggest mistakes people make is to cook their pasta to sogginess! After about 7 - 9 minutes, test a piece by cutting it in half and observing if it has any white uncooked portion showing? If it does, cook for one minute longer, then test again. Keep on doing this until all the white uncooked portion is gone. Then quickly drain the pasta. Personally, I like to rinse my pasta with hot water for hot dishes, or cold water for cold salads, etc. This stops the cooking immediately.
Cooking and Preparation
When mixing room temperature ingredients or cold ingredients to dried herbs, give them time to re-hydrate. Especially for dips! Don't rush re-hydration, if you have the time mix up your ingredients, then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or LONGER. Optimally, over night is great. Sometimes, if your have guests coming in 20 minutes and you need some dip, re-hydrate the dip mix in about 1/4 cup of boiling water and let sit for about 5 minutes. This should give the vegetables some body, then add your mayonnaise or sour cream , leaving out about 1-2 tbs. (in other words, your compensating for the addition of the boiling water).
Mulling Spices
After one use of a mulling spice ball, store it in the refrigerator or freezer. You can usually get another use from one ball. When you have exhausted your mulling spice balls in cider or wine, take a hammer and give the ball a few good bangs to break up the spices. Place the ball in boiling water, and let simmer, this will smell up your house for days with the scent of cinnamon , allspice and cloves!
