Garlic Herb Salt

Infusion is, without question, one of my most favorite ways of imparting extra umph and scrumptious goodness to the foods and drinks I love.  From coffee, to compound butter, to vinaigrettes, and beyond, it's found its way into my repertoire on more than a few occasions.  No coincidences there.

Over the weekend, I was inspired to combine some of my favorite herbs (thyme, rosemary and parsley) with several cloves of fresh garlic to create a beautiful and exceptionally delicious garlic herb salt.  And, if you're remotely like me, then you might be tempted to salivate slightly at just the thought of all the ways this treasure will transform your dishes and enhance your cooking regimen. 

The hand-chopped technique, along with the overnight air-drying, yielded the perfect coarse, crumbly texture.  All stored away, with a little reserved for gifting, it's a welcomed gourmet addition to my pantry--and it should be in yours, too.

Happy Eating!

Garlic Herb Salt
Recipe courtesy of Saveur

Ingredients:
6 cloves garlic
½ cup kosher salt
1 cup mixed fresh herbs

Method:
Crush garlic and coarsely chop with half of salt to form a chunky paste. Slowly add herbs and remaining salt and continue to chop into a fine paste. Spread on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and let sit uncovered overnight or up to 24 hours until dry and crumbly.  Store in an airtight glass jar up to 1 month.
 

{Delectable Discovery}: New Italian Pantry

I've had the pleasure of tasting my way through some parts of Italy, beginning North in Milan, and finishing South on the surreal Amalfi Coast, with stays in Venice, Florence and Rome along the way.  I know what it means to be captivated by a cuisine that is as exciting as it is decadent, and my love for the often surprisingly simple, yet layered and indulgent, flavors of Italy spurs me to recreate similar dishes in my own kitchen.  From homemade pizza to white bean soup to tiramisu, gelato, pasta and more, the tastes, smells--and memories--will always have a place in my home and cooking regimen.

Sooo...when I came across a certain food app recently, it didn't take long to realize that I had uncovered another gem in the world of Italian eats.  If you have a remote affinity for Italian cuisine, or are just curious to explore more, then Chef Sara Jenkins' New Italian Pantry app is one to have.

Beautifully designed around the essentials she keeps in her pantry (from the basics of extra-virgin olive oil and dried pastas to the more obscure of salt-packed capers and Aleppo chile pepper), you can gather featured recipes around the items you have in your pantry (love this!) or create a custom list based on what looks good at the market that day--or what your craving is saying to you (my normal). :)

Beyond a recipe app--and more akin to an Italian cookbook--it's another foray into the delicious tastes of Italy; tastes that I will always love to explore.

Happy Eating!

Tell Me: Do you use any food-related/cooking apps?

Well-Stocked: 8 Pantry Must-Haves

Having a well-stocked pantry can mean the difference between drudgery and ecstasy when putting a dish together.  And while "well-stocked" can mean many things to many people, there are some pantry items that never (well, hardly ever) leave my kitchen.  Why?  Because they represent staples in my cooking; ingredients that are in constant rotation, in one form or another, in my cooking repertoire. 

Check out my selection of must-haves....and let me know what food staples you find indispensable.

Happy Eating!

1. Kosher Salt  2. Black Peppercorns  3. Dried Herbs  4. Vinegars  

5. Canned or Dried Beans  6. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil  7. Dried Pasta  8. Garlic