Thursday, May 24, 2012

Baking with Herbs


Summer is not just ideal for baking with fruit, it's the perfect time to experiment with fresh herbs. Visit any farmer's market and you'll see the selection is bountiful–and cheap! I love using herbs in my desserts–they are the perfect floral or spicy counterpart to something sweet. Run your hand through the woody stalks of a rosemary plant, pinch a plump basil leaf between your fingers. Let the unique fragrance of each herb open your mind to the creative possibilities!

Some pairings to get you started:

Basil: apricots, blueberries, citrus, honey, nectarines, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, vanilla, watermelon
Lavender: almonds, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, citrus, honey, peaches, pistachios, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, vanilla, walnuts
Mint: blackberries, chocolate, citrus, mango, raspberries, strawberries
Rosemary: apricots, citrus, figs, grapefruit, honey
Sage: blueberries, cherries, citrus, pears, pumpkin, walnuts


Some ideas to get you started:

  • Macerate blackberries with fresh mint
  • Steep whipping cream with dried lavender
  • Infuse cherry compote with sage
  • Roast apricots with rosemary and honey
  • Grind dried lavender with sugar
  • Top your strawberry shortcake with thinly sliced basil

What's your favorite herb? What dessert does it inspire you to make?

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