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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 For the Birds!!
The Inspiration - Poultry Seasoning
For the Birds is a captivating blend that takes inspiration from the timeless Poultry Seasoning and transforms it into an irresistible culinary adventure. Handcrafted with a blend of aromatic ingredients including celery seed, sage, thyme, marjoram, black pepper, nutmeg, and kosher salt, For the Birds is designed to ignite your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.
The Flavor Profile - For the Birds
Each element of this enchanting blend has been carefully selected to create a symphony of flavors. The celery seed brings a delicate earthiness, while the sage and thyme infuse the blend with a tantalizing herbal aroma. Marjoram adds a touch of floral sophistication, beautifully complemented by the warm, peppery notes of black pepper. Finally, the nutmeg adds a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate, rounding off the blend with finesse. With For the Birds, every dish becomes an extraordinary culinary masterpiece, capturing the essence of a memorable dining experience.
Versatility in the Kitchen - How to Use For the Birds
Here are a few suggestions on how to utilize For the Birds in your home cooking:
1. Classic Roasted Chicken or Turkey: Rub the For the Birds spice blend generously over a whole chicken or turkey before roasting it to perfection. The blend's aromatic herbs and warm spices will infuse the meat, creating a mouthwatering and flavorful centerpiece for your meal. And leftovers (if there are any) make an amazing chicken salad. For a weeknight version, check out my recipe for Weeknight Sheet Pan Roast Chicken with Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts.
2. Savory Stuffing: Enhance the flavor of your holiday stuffing by incorporating For the Birds into the mix. The blend's combination of sage, thyme, and marjoram will lend a delightful herbaceousness to the stuffing, making it a standout side dish.
3. Seasoned Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle For the Birds over a medley of roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. The blend's herbal and peppery notes will add depth and complexity to the veggies, transforming them into a delectable side dish.
4. Creamy Soups and Sauces: Stir a pinch of For the Birds into creamy soups or sauces like chicken pot pie filling or creamy mushroom sauce. The blend's aromatic herbs and spices will enhance the richness of the dish, elevating its overall flavor profile.
5. Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Toss quartered potatoes with olive oil and a generous amount of For the Birds before roasting them until golden and crispy. The blend's herbaceous notes will infuse the potatoes, creating a fragrant and delicious side dish.
6. Gourmet Seasoned Butter: Mix For the Birds into softened butter, then refrigerate until firm. This seasoned butter can be spread on bread, melted over grilled chicken or fish, or used to add a burst of flavor to steamed vegetables.
Remember, these suggestions are just the beginning! Feel free to get creative and experiment with For the Birds in other dishes where you want to add an enticing blend of herbs, spices, and warmth. Let your culinary imagination soar!
A Bite of Good Recipes that use For the Birds
Cider-Braised Chicken is one of my absolute favorite dishes. If you love the flavors of Autumn, this one is for you!
Or try these Easy Make-Ahead Chicken Pot Pies, which freeze wonderfully, making them a go-to on busy Fall/Winter weeknights.
Ready to get your own For the Birds? Get it here.
