Bouquet garni is a bundle of herbs used to flavor soups, stews, and casseroles in French cuisine. It typically includes thyme, marjoram, bay leaves, and parsley, and can be purchased or made at home. The size of the bouquet should correspond to the amount of cooked food, and it’s important to use a balanced blend of mild and robust herbs. Bouquet garni can also be used in gift baskets.
Bouquet garni is a French term meaning “garnished bouquet” and refers to a method used in French cuisine. It’s a bunch of herbs tied together or placed in a cheesecloth bag and used to flavor soups, broths, and stews. Bouquet garni can also be used to add toppings to casseroles and other meat dishes.
Herbs typically used in bouquet garni include thyme, marjoram, bay leaves, and parsley. The bunch of herbs is placed inside the pot along with the soups, stew or broth. As the herbs cook, the flavor spreads throughout the dish.
Consumers can purchase garni bouquets at gourmet stores or create their own. An easy way to do this is to take a sprig of marjoram, about three sprigs of parsley, two bay leaves and a sprig of thyme. Tie the bundle of herbs together with string or secure the herbs inside cheesecloth. Another option is to place the herbs inside a celery stick or inside leek leaves.
Other items to include in the package may be rosemary, celery or fennel leaves, cloves, orange peel or peppercorns. It’s important to leave a long string attached to the bouquet so it can be easily retrieved from your soup, stew, or broth when the flavor infusion is complete. A balanced blend of mild and robust herbs should be combined for best flavor. The size of the bouquet of herbs should correspond to the amount of cooked food. This will ensure that the bundle of herbs complements the flavor of the meal, not overwhelms it.
Because spices lose their flavor over time, don’t create large quantities of bouquet garni. Instead, create smaller batches that can be used within a month. Store spices in an airtight container in a cool, dark area. Avoid storing them above the stove as the heat can interfere with the flavor of the spices.
Bouquet garni can be used in gift baskets and given to friends. First, the herbs can be placed in a small gauze bag. Bags can be made with cheesecloth purchased from a craft or discount store. After that, a small square is cut out of the cloth and filled with herbs. Next, the herb-filled gauze is tied with a cotton thread.
Choose a wicker basket and decorate it with a beautiful cloth or tea towel. Add a few packets of soup mix, the bouquet garni, and gourmet crackers to the basket. Fill the rest of the basket with a ceramic soup bowl, spoon, and other appropriate items.
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