Well, Hello there!!! I am so pleased that you stopped by to visit!
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For the past many years I have had an interest...no, make that a fascination with herbs, spices and seasonings. - About how they were used by our ancestors centuries ago for a variety of ailments, and how they are used today to enhance your favorite recipe.
With this in mind I am attempting to present a different herb, spice or seasoning for each day of the A-Z Challenge. Please drop by often and perhaps we both will learn something new.
Learn more about these terms
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For the past many years I have had an interest...no, make that a fascination with herbs, spices and seasonings. - About how they were used by our ancestors centuries ago for a variety of ailments, and how they are used today to enhance your favorite recipe.
With this in mind I am attempting to present a different herb, spice or seasoning for each day of the A-Z Challenge. Please drop by often and perhaps we both will learn something new.
Learn more about these terms
"Z" is for Za'atar Seasoning Blend
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Here we are!!!! We did it!!! Yeah! I want to thank all those who took the time to visit my blog, and to the super bloggers that I have "met" since starting the A-Z Challenge. Special thanks to Arlee Bird and "the team" for the great work they have done, and to YOU who made it so much fun.!
Now, you will have to excuse me as I have taken some poetic licence.... or is that blogetic licence... as the only "Z" word that had anything to do with herbs or spice was a combination of spices,called
ZA'ATAR
Za’atar (sometimes spelled zahtar), is a spice blend that is very popular in Arab cuisine. It is commonly mixed with olive oil and spread on pita or flat bread and can be used to season meat and vegetables. Za’atar gets most of its flavour from thyme, toasted sesame seeds, and ground sumac berries, which grow in the Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East and have a tart, fruity flavour. It also includes other herbs like oregano, marjoram, and savory. Try za’atar on pita wedges or sprinkled on a Mediterranean pizza. We often add a tablespoon to a batch of hummus for an added dimension of flavour.
If you want to make your own Za'atar, I found the following recipe .Za'atar is very popular in Middle Eastern cooking. Za'atar is a spice blend that is so versatile! It can be used on meats, veggies, rice, and breads.
Because za'atar is a combination of spices, any benefits obtained from the individual spice would also be present in the combination.
Sources:
http://www.silkroadspices.ca
About.com
If you want to make your own Za'atar, I found the following recipe .Za'atar is very popular in Middle Eastern cooking. Za'atar is a spice blend that is so versatile! It can be used on meats, veggies, rice, and breads.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sumac
- 2 tablespoons thyme
- 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons marjoram
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
Preparation:
Grind the sesame seeds in food processor or with mortar and pestle. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Store za'atar in a cool, dark place in a plastic zip bag or in an airtight container. When stored properly, za'atar can be used from 3-6 months.
Medicinal uses: Store za'atar in a cool, dark place in a plastic zip bag or in an airtight container. When stored properly, za'atar can be used from 3-6 months.
Because za'atar is a combination of spices, any benefits obtained from the individual spice would also be present in the combination.
Sources:
http://www.silkroadspices.ca
About.com
Wow, that sounds like a yummy recipe and the fact that it can be stored is a bonus. Great lead in to next year's challenge. Congratulations on getting through the whole alphabet.Thanks for your kind comments and encouragement through the challenge.
ReplyDeleteKathy at Oak Lawn Images
Thanks, Kathy, for being such a loyal follower for my posts.. it means a lot. Cheers to you for completing the Challenge!
DeleteThanks Patricia for an informative and interesting April. Like the recipe for Za'atar I wonder if one can find sumac.
ReplyDeleteJO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
Thank you, Jo, for you continuous support and encouragement. It has meant a lot. Congrats on getting through the Challenge!
DeletePatricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice
Glad I found your blog. You have lots of ingredients I've never even heard of. Will be back to read up on more.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing A to Z!
Barbara
Z is for Zzz-z-z... and an SOS
The Daille-y News
Thanks so much for dropping in to visit. Hope to see you again very soon. On my way to visit you.
DeletePatricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice
Congrats on finishing the challenge!! We did it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you.... congrats to you as well.
DeletePatricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice
Sounds good. My husband's a chef, so he's always making his own sauces, rubs, and flavourings. I wouldn't have a clue, but he seems to have a talent for it!
ReplyDeletecoffintreehill.tumblr.com
How fortunate for you.... It must be so nice to have a hubby who is a chef.... I would so love that! Tks for stopping by. Hope to see you again, soon.
DeletePatricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice
I have to try that!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on completing the A to Z challenge! I am glad you made it!
--
Tim Brannan
The Other Side and
The Witch
Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword
The Freedom of Nonbelief
Hi Timothy, thanks for dropping by and for your kind words. Boy, you have FOUR blogs..... how do you do it?? Kudos to you.
DeletePatricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice
I have often heard of Za’atar but must admit to having never actually made or used it. I have been exploring many different spices lately and this is another one I hope to use very soon!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy trying new spices and recipes as well... that's one that is on my "must try" list.
DeleteThanks for being so attentive to the posts on this Challenge. I appreciate it.
An interesting spice combination. I have not seen this before. Fun reading your posts in the A-Z!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much,Sharon. I appreciate you dropping by. Hope to see you again... I will be dropping by your site as well. Congrats on completing the Challenge!
DeleteCongratulation, Patricia for reaching the finishing line of the A-Z challenge. Incredible feat for your chosen subject - herb, not easy. And now I know what is Za'atar is. Thank you too for your support throughout this challenge. I feel so honored. I wish you the best in your work and next project. Yes, we shall continue to see each other around the blog eh ;)
ReplyDeleteHaving no idea what sumac berries taste like, I can't imagine what this blend tastes like. It's on my quest list to know. Congrats from going A to Z in one month!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from your comment on the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge Z post on Facebook!
ReplyDelete@JLenniDorner
Oh, very intriguing. Looks like it would be an interesting taste.