{"id":677,"date":"2010-11-24T01:36:08","date_gmt":"2010-11-24T09:36:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/?p=677"},"modified":"2011-08-31T12:40:03","modified_gmt":"2011-08-31T20:40:03","slug":"a-bouquet-garni-detail-with-a-difference-french-cooking-recipes-simple-pleasures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/a-bouquet-garni-detail-with-a-difference-french-cooking-recipes-simple-pleasures","title":{"rendered":"a bouquet garni \u2013 detail with a difference"},"content":{"rendered":"


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a bouquet garni<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Ce sont les petits choses qui font toute la diff\u00e9rence<\/span><\/em> (it is the little things that make all the difference). \u00a0 In life and cooking the details matter. \u00a0 A bouquet garni <\/span>(a little gathering of herbs) is a detail that makes all the difference.<\/span><\/p>\n

A bouquet garni imparts flavor to its surrounding and typically used in anything that simmers (i.e., braises, stocks, and soups).\u00a0 A kitchen string keeps the herbs in a bundle and is usually tied to the handle of a stockpot (so when the garni has done its job, you grab the string and toss the bouquet).<\/span><\/p>\n

Traditionally a bouquet garni is Italian parsley, thyme, and bay leaves wrapped inside a leek.\u00a0 However, the combinations are endless (some chefs will wrap the herbs in a slice of bacon or add a piece of citrus peel).\u00a0 A sachet <\/span>is used like a bouquet garni but the herbs and spices (i.e., peppercorns, juniper berries) are placed inside a piece of muslin or cheesecloth. \u00a0 Sachets are preferable if you are using dried herbs and small spices.\u00a0 A bouquet garni (or sachet) should be small so not as to overwhelm the food, but create a subtle aroma.<\/span><\/p>\n

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This week\u2019s simple pleasure is making a bouquet garni for use not only as a flavor enhancer but as a place-setting\/party favor and a host gift.\u00a0 The bouquets can be used fresh or when they dry out.\u00a0 This project is easy to do.\u00a0 Moreover, it adds a personal, fresh touch to your dinner (or a thoughtful host gift) and is something you can do with your children to incorporate them in preparing for the festivities. \u00a0 Focusing on the detail of a few fresh herbs this Thanksgiving will impart more than flavor, it will impart smiles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Je vous souhaite un bon app\u00e9tit <\/span><\/em>!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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LM<\/span><\/p>\n


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bouquet garni<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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a place setting and a party favor<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

There are a number of bouquet garni combinations you can make but some fresh herbs dry better then others.\u00a0 Chervil, dill, tarragon, parsley, lemon verbena, lovage, all of which are wonderful for\u00a0 fish and lighter favors, tend to fall apart when dried. On the other hand, thyme, bay leaves, rosemary, marjoram, savory and sage dry the best. \u00a0 This bouquet uses thyme, bay leaves and sage all of which go well with the flavors of the season.<\/span><\/p>\n

what you need:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

fresh thyme
\nfresh sage
\nfresh bay leaves
\nkitchen string
\nribbon
\npiece of paper
\na sharpie or pen<\/span><\/p>\n

how to:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n