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Welcome to the next installment of my Meet the Spice Blend series, where I'm sharing the inspiration for, back stories of, and uses for my ever-expanding collection of small batch, handcrafted spice blends. Next up, let's meet English Garden!!
The Inspiration - Herbes de Provence, but Make it with Roses
Inspired by the renowned Herbes de Provence, this exquisite fusion captures the essence of traditional French herbs while adding a touch of British charm. The harmonious combination of rose petals, fennel, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram evokes the beauty and tranquility of an English garden in full bloom. Each ingredient brings its own unique flavor and fragrance to the blend, creating a symphony of tastes that will transport you to a fragrant oasis. With its delicate floral notes, herbal richness, and subtle hints of licorice and citrus, English Garden offers a versatile seasoning that will elevate your culinary creations to new heights. Embark on a culinary adventure and let English Garden transport you to a realm of flavors inspired by nature's beauty.
The Flavor Profile - English Garden
The flavor profile of English Garden is a delightful tapestry of floral elegance and herbaceous charm. The delicate rose petals infuse the blend with a subtle sweetness and a gentle floral note that adds a touch of romance to every dish. Fennel contributes a hint of anise-like flavor, lending a delicate licorice undertone that complements the other herbs. Rosemary brings a robust earthiness, while thyme imparts a warm, savory quality that adds depth to the blend. Marjoram, with its slightly citrusy and floral taste, rounds out the composition with a gentle and aromatic touch. Together, these carefully selected ingredients create a symphony of flavors that harmonize beautifully, offering a taste sensation reminiscent of strolling through a fragrant English garden on a sunny afternoon.
Versatility in the Kitchen - How to Use English Garden
Here are some delightful suggestions for incorporating English Garden into your home cooking:
Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle English Garden over a medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. The blend will infuse them with its floral and herbaceous notes, elevating their flavors and adding a touch of elegance to your side dish.
Herbed Butter: Mix English Garden into softened butter, creating a delightful herb-infused spread. Use it to enhance the flavors of freshly baked bread, grilled corn on the cob, or even melt a dollop over a sizzling steak for an extra burst of aromatic goodness.
Herbed Goat Cheese: Try this recipe for Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini with Honey Glaze! It's gorgeous, delicious, and a perfect appetizer for any gathering.
Seasoned Poultry: Rub English Garden onto chicken, turkey, or Cornish game hens before roasting or grilling. The blend's herbaceous elements will beautifully complement the poultry's natural flavors, creating a succulent and fragrant dish, like with this recipe for Chicken in a Secret Garden.
Infused Oil or Vinegar: Create your own herb-infused oil or vinegar by adding a spoonful of English Garden to a bottle of olive oil or white wine vinegar. Allow the blend to infuse for a few days, and then use it as a flavorful dressing for salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables and meats.
Creamy Soups: Enhance the richness of creamy soups, such as potato or butternut squash, by incorporating a sprinkle of English Garden during the cooking process. The blend's delicate floral and herbal notes will add a unique twist to these comforting dishes.
Quiches and Frittatas: Add a pinch of English Garden to your quiche or frittata fillings for an extra burst of flavor. Whether you're using a classic combination like spinach and cheese or experimenting with new ingredients, the blend will infuse your egg-based dishes with a touch of floral and herbaceous goodness.
Desserts: Give your cakes and cookies a delightful and unexpected herbal twist, such as in my recipe for English Garden Olive Oil Rosebud Cakes.
Cheese and Charcuterie: Upgrade your next charcuterie board by rolling a log of goat cheese in some English Garden or sprinkling some on some roasted almonds.
Remember, English Garden is versatile, so feel free to experiment and discover your own favorite ways to incorporate it into your home cooking. Let its enchanting flavors transport you to the serene beauty of an English garden with every dish you create.
Ready to get your own English Garden? Get it here.
