The Spice or Paste That Changed Your Cooking This Year

[TastyReuben]

I learned it was star anise

I’ve never tried it in a beef stock like that. It’s usually something I reserve for mulled wine, cocktails, that sort of thing.

A quick search here proves I first bought it in 2021, Christmastime, and I’ve used it in glazed carrots and fried cabbage.

 

[SoCalZone10]

Pho broth also has star anise, maybe that’s why. I put star anise in my oxtail stew and the dish smells incredible when it’s cooking in my slow cooker.

 

[SoCalZone10]

I have a lot of fresh herbs in my garden but I rarely use them, i use mostly thyme and parsley. But I have fresh basil now, the fragrance is amazing, no more French tarragon, it’s hibernating, same with chive, I have fresh marjoram, fresh ginger, fresh turmeric, but no more oregano. Still looking for ways to incorporate them in to my cooking, but I want to stay away from time consuming process like drying except for oregano.

 

[Barriehie]

I have a lot of fresh herbs in my garden but I rarely use them, i use mostly thyme and parsley. But I have fresh basil now, the fragrance is amazing, no more French tarragon, it’s hibernating, same with chive, I have fresh marjoram, fresh ginger, fresh turmeric, but no more oregano. Still looking for ways to incorporate them in to my cooking, but I want to stay away from time consuming process like drying except for oregano.

I turn fresh turmeric into a paste as a substitute for Ibuprofen.

Turmeric Paste