Remember Me
forgot your password?

How To Make Herbal Mustards, Pickles And Sauces

Mustards

Mustards are delicious and give a lift to all sorts of savory foods. We all know the English, French and German varieties, but these recipes give them an extra lift and would make marvelous gifts for a mustard lover.

Minty Mustards

1 8oz jar wholegrain coarse mustard
4 tsp dry mint leaves, finely crumbled

Mix these two ingredients well and either return the mixture to the original jar or put it in smaller jars to give as part of a set of small mustards.

Tarragon Mustard with Vermouth

large handful fresh tarragon leaves
4 oz chopped spring onions
2 8 oz jars Dijon mustard
1 tbsp dry vermouth

Chop the tarragon leaves well and add the spring onions, mustard and vermouth. Mix together very thoroughly. Pour into a clean jar and seal with a tight-fitting lid. This mustard can be stored in the refrigerator for about one month.

Pickles

Pickles can add their own special zing to a meal and are particularly good with cold cuts of meat or poultry. Most vegetables will pickle, so here are some recipes that are especially good.

Dilly Cucumbers

24 small ridge cucumbers
5 pints water
1/2 pint vinegar
4 oz sea salt
1 large handful fresh dill heads
1 large or several small chili peppers

Soak the cucumbers overnight in a solution of salt and water, using 8 oz of sea salt to every pint of water. Then boil together the water, vinegar and sea salt and allow to cool. Drain the cucumbers and arrange in clean canning jars interspersed with layers of dill heads. The cucumbers can be left whole or cut into slices. Add a small chili pepper or pieces of a larger one to each jar. Cover with the vinegar solution and secure the lids.

Sweet Pickled Onions

2 lb pickling onions
1 bunch tarragon
1 bunch mint
1 bunch sweet chervil
4 oz sea salt
1 pint cider vinegar
6 oz granulated sugar

Peel the onions then arrange them on a tray, sprinkle with the sea salt and leave overnight. Carefully wipe all the salt and moisture off the onions and place in clean jars. Put a couple of sprigs of each herb in every jar. Heat the vinegar and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved, then leave to cool. Pour the vinegar over the onions, leaving a very small amount of room in the top of each jar. Secure the lids of the jars. The onions will be ready in about two to three weeks but are a lot tastier after about six to eight weeks, if you can wait that long!

Mint and Tomato Chow Chow

6 average tomatoes
1 onion
1 green pepper, chopped
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp salt
1/2 pint cider vinegar
2 tbsp finely chopped mint

Peel the tomatoes by placing them in boiling water for a few seconds and then carefully removing the skins. Peel the onion and chop the tomatoes and onion finely. Put all the ingredients in a lidded casserole dish and cook at 300ºF until the onion is quite tender (about one to two hours). Remove from the oven and leave to cool. Pour into wide-mouthed jars and cover each jar with a circle of waxed paper, then cover with cellophane and add a label.

Mint Relish

1 pint mint leaves
1 lb onions, peeled and chopped
1 lb apples, peeled and chopped
1/2 lb green tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 lb sultanas (gold raisins)
2 tsp salt
2 tsp French mustard
1 pint white wine vinegar
1 lb granulated sugar

Heat 1/4 pint of vinegar with the sugar until the sugar has completely dissolved. Leave to cool. Place the remaining vinegar in a saucepan with the salt and mustard. Put the green tomatoes in a food processor for a few seconds until they are mushy, then add to the saucepan. Repeat the process with the mint leaves, apples, onions and sultanas, adding them all to the saucepan. Then simmer all the ingredients until soft. Pour in the vinegar and sugar mixture. Boil the mixture for a couple of minutes and then leave to cool a little. Pour the relish into warm clean jars and cover with waxed paper circles. When completely cool, add cellophane lids and labels.

Sauces

Sauces make a very unusual gift. Although you must provide clear labeling to indicate whether they need to be refrigerated or not, a basket containing a selection of sauces could be very welcome, especially at Christmas. At a time when plenty of ingenuity is needed to use up the inevitable leftovers, a Christmas gift of delicious and unusual sauces could be a real winner!

Pesto

This very Italian sauce is delicious with many foods, as well as pasta. Mixed with mayonnaise it makes a lovely sauce for cold turkey, or you could use it when stuffing some tiny tomatoes or mushrooms. Although you need fresh basil for this recipe, once it has been made, the sauce lasts in the fridge for at least a month or freezes indefinitely.

1 lb fresh sweet basil leaves
4 oz parsley
8 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
8 oz pine nuts
3/4 pint virgin olive oil
8 oz Parmesan cheese
sea salt and pepper

Combine the basil, parsley, garlic and pine nuts in a food processor. Process until the mixture resembles a coarse paste. Slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream, with the processor switched on, until all the oil is used up. Add the cheese, sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper and process again for a couple of seconds. Depending on how you plan to package your gift, scrape the mixture into plastic or glass containers. Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the pesto to prevent discoloration, then seal.

Hot Tomato and Coriander Sauce

4 large tomatoes, weighing approximately 1 lb
8 tbsp fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
2 small hot chili peppers, fresh or canned
2 large onions, weighing approximately 8 oz
2 tbsp garlic vinegar

Put all the ingredients into a food processor and process finely for a few seconds. Alternatively, you can mince all the ingredients well and combine them in a bowl. Taste and add salt if required. Allow to cool, then pour into clean bottles and label. This sauce is delicious served chilled with vegetable or meat dishes.

Tomato Sauce with Olives and Oregano

1 lb peeled tomatoes
3 tbsp green pepper, chopped
1/2 large onion
1 to 2 cloves garlic
3 tbsp olive oil
10 green olives, stoned and chopped finely
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped

Chop the onion and garlic finely and cook in the olive oil until softened and transparent. Add all the other ingredients, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. If you would like a smoother sauce, you can combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and then return to the pan. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool, then pour into bottles, seal and label them. This sauce is ideal with cheese dishes, pasta or pork.

Alcoholic Herbal Sauce

1 pint vegetable or chicken stock
8 fl oz white wine, preferably medium-sweet German
1 tbsp fresh rosemary
1 tbsp fresh dill
1/2 tbsp fresh tarragon
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
1/2 tbsp lemon peel, finely chopped

Mix the stock, wine and herbs together and simmer until reduced by 10 to 20 percent. Melt the butter in a pan and add the flour, stirring vigorously, then cook for 5 to 10 minutes. Add the stock and wine mixture to the fat and flour by whisking it in with a small balloon whisk. Add the lemon peel and some salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Strain the sauce to remove the herbs, allow to cool, then pour into bottles, seal and label. This sauce is delicious served hot with vegetables or poultry.

Mango and Coriander Sauce

1 medium mango
4 spring onions (shallots)
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger root
1/2 tsp garam masala (recipe follows)
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
1 tbsp sunflower or grapeseed oil

Heat the oil and gently cook the chopped spring onions (shallots) and ginger for about 5 minutes. Add the garam masala and cook for another couple of minutes.

Chop the mango flesh finely, then add it and all the remaining ingredients to the pan. Stir well, then chill overnight in a covered container in the fridge. The sauce can then be served as it is or processed in a blender to make it a little smoother. Allow to cool, then pour into bottles, seal and label them. This sauce is delicious with cold seafood, fish or chicken.

Garam Masala

This is the most aromatic and fragrant of all Indian spice blends. Used throughout North India in all types of dishes - from appetizers and soups to yogurt salad and main courses - this blend is indispensable to Moghul and North Indian cooking. It is widely available, but my homemade version is more fragrant and, of course, fresher.

2 tablespoons cumin seeds
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
2 tablespoons cardamom seeds
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
1 (3-inch) stick cinnamon, broken up
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon saffron (optional)

Put the cumin, coriander, cardamom, peppercorns, cinnamon, and cloves in a dry heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Toast the spices, stirring occasionally, until they turn several shades darker and give off a sweet smoky aroma, about 10 minutes. Do not raise the heat to quicken the process, or the spices will brown prematurely, leaving the insides undercooked. Cool completely.

Working in batches if necessary, transfer the mixture to a spice mill or coffee grinder and grind to a powder. Stir in the nutmeg and saffron. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Garam Masala keeps for 3 months.

Yield: Makes about 1/2 cup

Coriander Barbeque Sauce

12 oz finely chopped onions
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 oz butter
12 fl oz tomato ketchup
1/4 pint cheap brandy or sherry
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 pint cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 fl oz water
1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves

Soften the onions and garlic in the butter but do not let them brown. Add all the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil, stirring well. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool for a short while and then pour into jars. Cover tightly and label.

Packaging Your Goodies

When making mustards, savory sauces and pickles, you can cover the lids in the same way as for sweet jams and jellies, but it can also look attractive to use hessian or calico. Plain calico is very inexpensive and could be stenciled to decorate the tops of sauces or pickles.

Packing a whole meal is an unusual idea with the barbeque sauces you could package a bottle of the sauce with a pair of oven mitts, a packet of dried herbs to throw on to the barbeque and a pair of tongs. Gift-wrap all these together and you have something different for Father's Day! The pickles could be given with a decorated ham or just included in a hamper presentation.

Carol J Miller

The author owns and operates a website featuring wholesale home and garden furnishings and accents at www.bricabrackorner.com

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Recipes Articles
  • More from Carol J Miller

Scallop Recipes

By: Michele @ Foodieview | 08/12/2009
Scallops provide a unique flavor that is used in both the East and the West, providing a great deal of nutrients and allowing you to enjoy two different aspects of the delicious seafood. To find our more about how scallops are cooked and enjoyed around the world and tips on how to find delicious scallop recipes, read this article

Colombian Recipes

By: Michele @ Foodieview | 08/12/2009
Colombia has some of the most delicious food in South America. Despite this fact, there are few American households that enjoy Colombian Recipes regularly – or even know much about them. When you want to add a little bit of flavor or variety of your meals, Colombian food is easily one of the best choices. In this article you will find a survey of popular Colombian dishes and tips on where to find delicious recipes for these and other Colombian favorites.

How to Make an Asian Salad

By: Michele @ Foodieview | 08/12/2009
In an attempt to create a more heart healthy menu, McDonald’s introduced salads for a short time, including the now discontinued “Asian Salad.” Though there was little authentic value in the McDonald’s version, the popularity of Asian Salad recipes began to rise considerably after the introduction of this pop culture variety, and with that fame came healthier, more varied alternatives that can be prepared easily by anyone.

How to Make Sausage and Rice

By: Kasan Groupe | 08/12/2009
This simple, easy-to-make dish is perfect for a filling and tasty dinner or reheatable lunch for the busy man or woman. All you need to make this dish is your preferred type of sausage, it doesn’t matter what flavor, or brat and some uncooked rice.

Tea Smoked Barbecue Chicken Wings

By: Lewis Theakson | 08/12/2009
These fantastic Tea smoked barbecue chicken wings echo the influenses from Chinese cuisine. Delicious, succulent and full of spicy flavor, they will be the stars of any buffet or meal you create.

Thai BBQ Chicken Zingers

By: Lewis Theakson | 08/12/2009
These delicious Thai BBQ chicken zingers are simply great tasting and easy to prepare. Full of delicious succulent flavor.

One of the most famous chili cookoffs takes place in Texas

By: Paul Ingersole | 08/12/2009
One of the most famous chili cookoffs takes place in Texas, known as the Bottle Hill Chili Cookoff. This is a great event with wonderful chili cooks trying to out do each other. The competition is very stiff. The entry is $25 per table, but the money is donated to Autism research and education. If you make it to just one chili cookoff this year, try to attend this one. You will not be disappointed.

Using Herbs At Christmas

By: Carol J Miller | 11/03/2009 | Holidays
Dried herbs make unusual and beautiful Christmas decorations. How about an herbal garland for your mantelpiece or a Christmas gift for a good friend?

Edible Herbal Gifts

By: Carol J Miller | 11/03/2009 | Recipes
Giving Food as Gifts - When giving an edible gift, packaging is of paramount importance. Clear labeling is tremendously helpful, so the recipient knows exactly what the gift contains and also how to keep it fresh. If there are refrigeration instructions, then make sure they are easily read or your hard work may go off overnight!

Using Herbs On A Picnic

By: Carol J Miller | 11/03/2009 | Recipes
Nummy recipes for your picnic basket.

Home-Made Herbal Beauty Products

By: Carol J Miller | 11/03/2009 | Skin Care
The most important consideration to bear in mind when making herbal preparations is to only use the best quality products you can find. Good quality oils and natural essential oils will combine to make a far superior product than that produced by cheap oil and chemical, synthetic oils. Natural products are far less likely to cause skin allergies, but it is always wise to test your finished product on a small patch of your own skin if not on that of the recipient.

How To Make Herbal Jams & Jellies

By: Carol J Miller | 11/03/2009 | Recipes
Some herbal jellies are well-known, mint jelly being one of the best examples. Others, although less famous, are equally delicious when eaten with a variety of meats and poultry. Another bonus is that jams and jellies last well and can therefore be made well in advance.

How To Make Herbal Pot-Pourris, Sachets And Pillows

By: Carol J Miller | 11/03/2009 | Crafts
There are many uses for herbs in sachets, pot-pourri, pillows and other containers where the herbs may not be visible but release their delicious scents. No one could resist a lovely collection of lacy herb sachets for their cupboards or linens. Most of these ideas are very simple to make, yet are perfect presents for all generations.

How To Make Herbal Oils, Vinegars, Cheeses And Breads

By: Carol J Miller | 11/03/2009 | Recipes
If you use tall elegant bottles or attractive old thick glass ones, a gift of oils and vinegars can look beautiful. As more and more recipes appear for salad dressings, so different flavored oils and vinegars become more popular.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.28, 6, w1)