Sunday, January 30, 2011

FLAVOR FEATURE, January 2011: Anise

All month long, I've been blog-hopping through linky parties.  What a fun way to see what other people are crafting and cooking!  I've even linked up a few of my recipes. 

One idea I really liked on one blog was a monthly spotlight ingredient.  So, here's my take on it.  Once a month I'll pick a flavor, tell you a bit about it, and give you some recipes - both sweet and savory - that utilize it.  Hope you'll follow along, get inspired, and get cooking.

My pick for January: ANISE SEED

What is it?
Anise Seed is a graybrown oval seed from Pimpinella anisum, a plant in the parsley family. It is related to caraway, dill, cumin, and fennel. 

What does it taste like?
It smells and tastes like licorice.

Around the world...
Europeans use anise in cakes, cookies, and sweet breads. In the Middle East and India, it is used in savory soups and stews. Its licorice-like flavor is popular in candies and anise oil is used in liqueurs.

Some ideas from Culinary Adventures with Camilla...
Cioppino, a savory seafood stew
Sopa de Hongos y Nopales, a mushroom-cactus soup
Torta Di Nocciole Piemontese, a hazelnut cake
Get creative and get cooking!

1 comment:

  1. What a fun blog you have, Camilla!
    I like it! Thanks for stopping by my blog- I've never thought of (or heard of) lavender salt for grilling... sounds nice for chicken with a little lemon...
    Lavender cookies are wonderful!


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