Have you ever wished you could bottle the essence of a perfectly seasoned dish? At Robert Kline Art, we believe in bringing artistry to every aspect of life, even the culinary ones! Today, we’re diving into the aromatic world of homemade spice blends with a recipe inspired by the legendary duo, Simon & Garfunkel. This versatile blend, aptly named “Simon & Garfunkel Spice Blend,” is an ode to their iconic song “Scarborough Fair,” which beautifully lists parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
This isn’t just any spice blend; it’s a testament to the idea that the most remarkable flavors are often born from simplicity and quality ingredients. With each sprinkle, you’re infusing your dishes with a touch of musical history and a whole lot of flavor.
Unveiling the Magic: The Art of Crafting the Perfect Spice Blend
Creating a spice blend is like composing a melody; each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final harmony of flavors. Let’s break down the components of this fragrant masterpiece:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried crushed parsley
- 2 tablespoons dried crushed sage
- 1 tablespoon dried crushed rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried crushed thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried crushed oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried crushed basil
- 10 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Notes:
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Where’s the salt? We’ve intentionally omitted salt from this recipe. The science behind this is to allow for better control over the saltiness of your dish. Salt draws out moisture, and adding it directly to the rub can impact the texture of your meat during cooking. Remember, you can always season your meat separately with salt before applying the rub. For optimal results, consider dry brining your meat overnight with about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound.
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Measuring: Since dried herbs can vary in texture, try to achieve a consistent crush for all ingredients. If some herbs are powdered, compensate by adding a bit more of the coarsely crushed ones.
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The Essential Trio: While you can experiment with the proportions, sage, bay leaf, and rosemary form the backbone of this blend and are crucial for its distinctive flavor profile.
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Optional Heat: While this recipe doesn’t include it, feel free to add a tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes (cayenne or chipotle) for a touch of heat.
Crafting Culinary Magic: A Step-by-Step Guide
(Prep Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 10 minutes)
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Measure and Blend: Measure all ingredients and add them to a blender. Secure the lid tightly and pulse a few times to break down any large pieces.
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Pulse to Perfection: Continue pulsing the blender until you achieve a fine, powdery consistency.
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Store and Savor: Transfer your aromatic Simon & Garfunkel Spice Blend to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and label it with the date.
Creating Culinary Masterpieces: Using Your Spice Blend
This blend isn’t just for poultry! It’s incredibly versatile and can elevate various dishes:
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Poultry Perfection: Generously sprinkle the blend on chicken or turkey before grilling, roasting, or smoking.
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Veggies Get a Flavor Boost: Toss vegetables like potatoes, asparagus, or root vegetables with a touch of olive oil and this spice blend before roasting for a burst of flavor.
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Egg-cellent Addition: Sprinkle a pinch on scrambled eggs or omelets for a savory kick.
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Beyond the Plate: Incorporate the blend into dips, sauces, or even compound butter for an added layer of flavor complexity.
Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Culinary Artist
At Robert Kline Art, we believe that the most satisfying creations are those crafted with passion and imagination. This Simon & Garfunkel Spice Blend is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore the world of flavors and infuse your cooking with a touch of artistic flair.
We encourage you to try this recipe and share your culinary masterpieces with us! Tag your creations on social media, and let’s inspire each other with the endless possibilities of homemade spice blends.
For more creative inspiration and unique handmade gifts, explore the world of Robert Kline Art. We’re passionate about helping you discover the joy of handmade artistry in all its forms.