Herbs & Spices

Madagascar grows some of the world’s most flavorful vanilla beans. Bourbon vanilla is not made with bourbon at all. It is named after the Bourbon kings of France, who brought vanilla cultivation to Madagascar during their rule. When vanilla and chocolate are combined, the flavor of both is enhanced and deepened.

These crunchy thyme-flecked nuts are delicious served with sherry and slices of Manchego cheese.

In Argentina, garlicky chimichurri, a condiment as prevalent there as ketchup is in the United States, is spooned over all manner of grilled meats, especially steak. Make chimichurri at least 1 hour ahead to allow the flavors to meld.

To achieve a uniform consistency, grate the carrot on the small holes of a box grater before pureeing in the food processor. We like to serve the colorful dressing in its own dish and let each person spoon some over a salad of butter lettuce, sunflower sprouts, sliced radishes, and edamame.

See page 625 for recommended marinating times. If you marinate meat overnight in this marinade, omit the lemon juice and add it 2 hours before cooking.

Serve these beets as part of a picnic platter or relish tray, or use them in sandwiches or salads. Golden beets work as nicely as red ones. Leaving beet tails and an inch or so of the stems intact helps minimize the loss of color (as well as flavor and nutrients) during cooking. Trim and peel the beets after they’ve been boiled; the skins will come off easily.

Though available prepackaged, homemade five-spice powder is far more pungent and flavorful than store-bought. Rub it on fowl, fish, and meat.

You can substitute 3 tablespoons powdered pectin for the liquid pectin. Dissolve it in 1/2 cup warm water before adding it to the mint mixture.

The yogurt in this traditional Indian mixture tenderizes what you’re marinating. Try grilling the meat or fish to add a smoky flavor.

This classic marinade pairs nicely with almost any meat, particularly shellfish and fish fillets. Be careful not to marinate shellfish for longer than 20 minutes; the acid in the lemon juice will cook the flesh.

This goes remarkably well with steak.

Steel-cut oats (also called Irish or Scottish oats) take longer to cook than rolled oats but are creamier and chewier.

Serve with grilled pork or fish, such as red snapper or striped bass.