Dried Chives

Dried chives are a flavorful and convenient herb that offers a mild onion taste. They are the dried form of fresh chives, retaining their color and aroma for extended periods.

Notes

Store in a cool, dark place to preserve flavor. Dried chives are more potent than fresh, so use them sparingly until you gauge their strength.

Uses

Seasoning for soups and stews
Garnish for baked potatoes
Addition to omelets and quiches
Sprinkled on creamy dips and spreads
Flavoring for homemade bread and rolls
Enhancement for cream-based sauces

Replacements

Dried green onions
Dried shallots
Dried leeks
Fresh chives (use more due to potency difference)
Chive flakes

Smoked Ham Hock

A smoked ham hock is the joint where a pig's foot meets its leg, renowned for its rich, savory flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. Originating from traditional European and Southern American cuisines, it is often cured and smoked, imparting a deep, smoky aroma with hints of saltiness. The collagen-rich meat becomes succulent and gelatinous when simmered slowly, making it a prized ingredient for enhancing soups, stews, and beans. Its robust flavor can transform humble dishes into hearty, comforting meals. In cooking, it adds both depth of taste and a silky mouthfeel due to the rendered fat and collagen.

Almonds

With their golden-brown hue and delicate, edible skin, almonds are a crunchy delight. These versatile nuts boast a rich, buttery flavor that adds depth to both sweet and savory dishes.

Recipes to try

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops over Rice

Tender scallops kissed with lemon and garlicky butter, served over fluffy white rice for a luxurious yet simple dinner.

Roasted Root Vegetable and Barley Stew

Hearty and deeply flavorful, this stew marries caramelized root veggies with chewy barley for a comforting bowlful of warmth.