April 14, 2020 – Michele Clark, representative with the Texas Extension Education Association (TEEA) presented the Cooking with Herbs program at the Women on the Go meeting hosted by AgriLife Extension on Wednesday, March 5, 2020. Clark’s program involved properly growing a variety of herbs and using herbs for cooking and making homemade herb mixes.
Feleshia Thompson, County Extension Agent-Family and Community Health, welcomed everyone in attendance and thanked Clark for providing the meal and program for the meeting. Before the program presentation, Clark shared with information about the XYZ Club hosting the District 5 Spring Conference, Dollars for Scholars and Coins for Friendship supporting the 4-H program and the Quilts of Valor sewing program.
Clark started her presentation showing the display of herbs from her own garden, discussing the homemade jars of herb mixes as well as sharing recommendations how to purchase herbs.
“Herbs are easy to grow…if you need basil or mint in the spring or summer for cooking, don’t buy it from the produce department, but buy it from the garden department,” said Clark. “Herbs will last longer and the plants are better.” Clark also recommended using terra cotta pots for planting your herbs because other pots tend to hold the moisture, which it not good for the plant’s roots.
Clark shared a handout with information for making basic homemade spice mixes using fresh herbs and seasonings you might have in your own pantry. “I dried my own parsley and rosemary, and if you seal the herbs in a jar, most will last up to a year.”
When cooking with herbs, Clark recommended starting small with adding herbs to your recipes to suit your own taste. She added, “When cooking with herbs, you don’t want to add them at first because the flavor will cook out, you want to add later, even if the herbs are dried or fresh. But there are the French stews where you put in the bouquet garnis or when stuffing the turkey for Thanksgiving that you leave (the herbs) in the whole time.”
After the presentation, one question asked about the recipe for Garam masala and how it is used in cooking. Clark explained, “Garam masala is an Indian cooking seasoning and it is just a combination of cumin, coriander seeds, sesame seeds, black pepper, cloves, mace, cinnamon and cardamom,” she added. “I sprinkle it on chicken and other things and there’s just a hint of flavor.”
About AgriLife Women on the Go Club
The focus of this, hands-on club is about learning tips and shortcuts to be more productive and successful in balancing home, family and work through a healthy lifestyle. While the focus of the club is geared toward women, it is open to men who also want to participate.
