Coaching Cooking

If you get hungry for Cajun enjoy! Photo by MAry MacIntyre

Well this is not about Cajun. I just found a beautiful cookbook by Emelie Tolly and Chris Mead published in 1985. http://www.amazon.com/Herbs-Gardens-Decorations-Emelie-Tolley/dp/0609803522 You can still find it at Amazon. I really lucked out at the low price I found it for. This is a beautiful hardback edition with many stories, photographs, and reviews.

If you love exotic books, with recipes and techniques from around the world this is a great addition for your library. If you want to learn more about herbs, then definitely read.

I spent longer than I planned reading and thinking. Since the material is copywrited I can’t copy the recipes. So I will make up a salad for you. Want Pizza instead, let me add a trick here.

Pick 5 herbs, three of which you seldom use.
Pick 4 salad greens. Include Argula, Parsley or cilantro, Chickory fresh (where do find that?), perhpas a mixed herb salad pack. Mix.
Finely chop some scallions. If your herbs are fresh chop 3 three and mix with your favorite oil. Try Coconut oil for a different zest.

That gives you two herbs to apply and mix or toss directly. Tarragon, fennel, or basil would be great selections. I have a soft spot for a dash of oregano too. If you are determined to add more, add some chopped celery root or water chesnuts and grated zuchinni
or carrot ( not necessary).

The lighter salad will be beautiful and rich with flavor. Repeat the above with other fresh herbs. Little variations can create major changes in flavors and textures!

Pizza? 2 choices: get your pizza dough ready. Take salad and put on dough. COver with 3 cheeses, bake. IF you are more traditional make sure to add a garlic organic tomato sauce and then layer cheeses and sald and bake. ALso try some gluten free crusts for variation and health. Old book offer fine dining and wonderful recipes!