Uses of Tarragon

Last week, my sister and I saw herbs on pots for sale at the grocery store. They have basil, rosemary and tarragon.

We already tried basil and rosemary in our dishes that's why we chose tarragon this time.

Here are some information about tarragon

Tarragon has an Anise-like flavor that is suited to vinegars and fish, but it also has many other uses in the kitchen. It has limited medicinal uses, but does have the peculiar property of causing slight numbness of the mouth when the leaves are chewed. It is an aromatic perennial that is native to Siberia and the Caspian sea area. It enhances the flavors of many foods, but can become overpowering if excessively used. It enhances fish, pork, beef, poultry, game, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and most mainstream vegetables. It also goes well with lemons and oranges. It can be used in cream sauces, herbed butters and vinegars, soups, sour creams, and yogurt.

Tarragon is not a beautiful plant specimen, but it is still a viable herb to grow in the home garden. It has a rampant root system, and should be divided every 2-3 years to keep it flavorful and vigorous. It should be started as seedlings, cuttings, or divisions. The French Tarragon is much more flavorful for kitchen use than the Russian Tarragon, so be careful when buying seed. Sprigs can be used anytime, but the main cuttings should be at 6-8 weeks after setting out and before a killing frost. Tarragon should be mulched for the winter in the colder climates. It prefers sandy, well-drained loamy soil and will do well in full sun or partial shade. It can be divided and potted for the winter, but may resist transplanting. Be aware also that if you do get over this obstacle, as an indoor plant it does require a good bit of light.

Tarragon makes a good companion plant for other herbs and vegetables

Tarragon is also effective for eliminating intestinal worms in children. Follow the directions for herbal teas and give 2 cups per day. Teas can also be used for menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, digestive problems, fatigue, nerves, and to promote the appetite. Alternatively, capsules can be made using dried, powdered leaves for situations where making teas is not convenient.

For toothaches, try chewing on a couple of Tarragon leaves for relief. Tarragon can also be used in place of salt for people on salt-restricted diets.

--CookingSisters--

Cooking Terms of the Week (C)

Caramelization

Browning sugar over a flame, with or without the addition of some water to aid the process. The temperature range in which sugar caramelizes is approximately 320º F to 360º F (160º C to 182º C).

Chop

To cut into irregular pieces.

Coat

To evenly cover food with flour, crumbs, or a batter.

Combine

To blend two or more ingredients into a single mixture.

Cream

To beat vegetable shortening, butter, or margarine, with or without sugar, until light and fluffy. This process traps in air bubbles, later used to create height in cookies and cakes.

Crisp

To restore the crunch to foods; vegetables such as celery and carrots can be crisped with an ice water bath, and foods such as stale crackers can be heated in a medium oven.

Crush

To condense a food to its smallest particles, usually using a mortar and pestle or a rolling pin.

Crystallize

To form sugar- or honey-based syrups into crystals. The term also describes the coating.

--CookingSisters--

Pasta Chicken Perfect Combination

Pasta and chicken are always perfect combination. Try this easy to prepare chicken and pasta recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

1 can corn

1 small bellpepper(chopped)

Onion

Garlic

25 pcs. chicharo

1 cup Milk

pepper

Basil

salt

1/2 kl cooked pasta

grated cheese

1 cup water

For Chicken:

1/2 kl Chicken

garlic powder

1 tbsp. butter

basil

pepper

garlic

Procedure:

For pasta:

1. Saute the garlic and onion

2. Add bell pepper, chicharo, corn

3. Add water simmer for 2 minutes

4. Add milk and simmer until thick

5. seasoned it with pepper, basil and salt

6. Put it over cooked pasta and sprinkle grated cheese on top.

For chicken:

1. Seasoned Chicken with garlic powder, basil, salt and pepper

2. Fry them in butter until cooked.

Serve them together while hot.

--CookingSisters--