Cassy’s Cookbook: Critical Success

Looking for a way to improve your daily meals? Look no further! LOTRO already had  it all sorted out for you. Here’s the list of spices and herbs every cook should use to increase your critical chances of success!

Sprig of Allspice

Allspice is a type of pepper usually found in sausages, curry powder, barbecue sauce and cake recipes. You should be able to buy it grounded at your local grocery store. This spice is perfect to season any meat and give extra taste to your favourite steak!

Ok, so what does it have to do with cakes? Allspice is a bit like cinnamon and nutmeg: it does spice the cake a bit but has nothing to do with cayenne pepper spicing effect. It blends well with strong tastes like spice bread, molasses cookies or even chocolate cake. Try it in your recipes, you’ll discover an all new way to enjoy your desserts!

Sprig of Mugwort

This herb was widely use in medieval Europe as a remedy to all kinds of trouble, from menstrual pains to increase appetite. In cooking, it is used in Asia to to perfume rice and fish meals. The plant was also used in Britain instead of regular hops for brewing spicy beers. Considered as an invasive weed by some, mugwort is not a very common in modern cooking anymore. Note: pregnant women should avoid taking large quantity of mugwort.

Clump of Chives

The perfect fine herb for all occasions, there is just no reason for not using chives in your cooking. It is great way to add a little kick to any meal, plus it’s a great way to add some green color to you dish. Chop it and mix it to your recipes or use it as a fancy decoration and top your meal with long delicate chives. You can add this herb to salads, potatoes, marinades or any sauce, its uses are infinite!

Chives are also very easy to cultivate yourself. Just put it in a pot outside during summer and inside by the window in winter and you’ll always have a fresh supply of chives at your disposal.

Sprig of Parsley

Parsley is another common herb you can put everywhere. However this one is used mostly for decoration because it is not very tasty. This herb is also easy to cultivate but requires a lot of sun. It can be bought dry and chopped at the grocery store. This is sure way to always have something on hand to decorate your dish. Check out different types of fresh parsley to lightly flavour your meals. I personally prefer the Italian parsley in my spaghettis sauce and soups!

Sprig of Thyme

Definitely my favourite herb, thyme goes well with absolutely anything. I have to watch myself or I’d just add it to any meal I’m making! Thyme is a classic with poultry and I especially like to use it to flavour browned veggies. Also note a stew is not a stew if there is not a least a little bit of thyme in it! This herb is very popular because it blends well with any other tastes and everyone likes it.

Sprig of Woolly Mint

Now mint is serious business and ‘’wow’’ factor in cooking. Be sure not to put too much because the success of mint resides in the subtle surprise effect it creates in your mouth. Two very good ways to start using mint in your cooking is by adding it to your desserts and salads. Put a leaf of mint over anyone of your desserts served cold or chop it and mix it with your favourite green salad to impress your guests!