Give Your Food More Flavor
Amp Up Your Flavor: Tip 1
Salt is a necessary flavor enhancer. Add it in stages during cooking, tasting the dish along the way. For best results, pour salt into the palm of your hand or a small bowl and pinch between your fingers to add.
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Amp Up Your Flavor: Tip 2
Spices are great on their own, or combined into a mixture known as a dry rub. To create a balanced mix, include each of these elements: salt, sugar (granulated or brown), pepper, and a spice or a combination of spices.
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Amp Up Your Flavor: Tip 3
Herbs come in many textures and flavors. Sturdy herbs, like rosemary and thyme, can be added before cooking. Tender herbs, like basil and parsley, are better added at the end.
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Rosemary-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
These simple and delicious spuds will make it into your regular dinner rotation. Leftover rosemary can be air-dried and then stored in a jar or a plastic bag for up to a year.
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Seasoned Skirt Steak With Cilantro-Tomatillo Salsa
If you make the salsa in a blender, add a tablespoon or two of water for easier processing.
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Cajun-Rubbed Pork Chops
Make a full batch of this sweet-spicy rub and you'll have enough for two meals. Store the remaining rub at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a month.
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Fresh Herb Pesto with Penne
Basil and pine nut pesto is classic, but for an untraditional twist you can combine different tender herbs to make a delicious pasta sauce.
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Spiced Rice Pudding with Dried Cherries
Here's a sweet way to introduce a more exotic spice into your repertoire. Cardamom is an Indian spice that pairs nicely with cinnamon.
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How to Season
Originally published in the December 2013 issue of Parents magazine.