For many of us, when we think of the Christmas Season, the first thing that comes to mind are the wonderful aromas all around us, and the memories they invoke.
The smell of pies baking, a fresh cut tree, scented candles, chestnuts roasting on an open fire—our sense of smell is the gateway to memories of time spent with family around the fire, traveling to the homes of loved ones, worshipping in a candlelight service, or talking and laughing during the Christmas feast.
Using Essential Oils in your holiday cooking is a great way to add flavor to your existing recipes, and a fun way to create new recipes, too!
Here are a few tricks and tips as you get started.
First, note that the Essential Oils in the list below are excellent choices for cooking and can add great flavors to a wide variety of recipes:
TOP ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THE KITCHEN
• Basil
• Bergamot
• Black Pepper
• Cardamom
• Cassia
• Cilantro
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Coriander
• Dill
• Fennel
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Lemongrass
• Lime
• Marjoram
• Orange
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Spearmint
• Thyme
Next, take note of these Essential Oil substitution guidelines:
ESSENTIAL OIL EQUIVALENTS TO DRY OR FRESH HERBS
• 1 drop of a citrus oil can substitute for 1 teaspoon of citrus zest.
• For minty oils (e.g., Peppermint, Spearmint), substitute 1 drop for 1 teaspoon dried mint leaves or 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves.
• 1 drop of oil for 1–2 tablespoons of dried spice or herb, and 1 drop of oil for 1–2 teaspoons of fresh spice.
• For hot or spicy oils, or recipes calling for less than a teaspoon of herb, start with a toothpick dipped in the oil and stirred into the mixture, and then add more to taste as needed.
QUESTION – HOW MANY OF YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES COULD USE A FLAVOR BOOST?
