Mortar and Pestle

I have had this little tool since my hubby (Gods Gift) took me to Sante Fe for vacation. Ever vacation we go on he goes golfing and I take a cooking class at the local cooking school.



I bought my Molcajete at that school while learning new tricks to all things spicy. It took a year to get it to smooth.



 I put rice uncooked in the middle and this grinding is the only way to smooth it out. But now it is almost smooth all around. I could not wait so I use it even with a few rough sides. Hey it works.



 

A mortar and pestle is a tool used to grind and mix substances, including chemicals in a laboratory and also food in the kitchen. The pestle is a heavy small bat, made from porcelain, wood or other materials, whose rounded end is used for pounding and grinding. The mortar is a bowl, which can be made from porcelain, wood, carved stone or other materials. The substance is ground between the pestle and the mortar by rubbing or pounding the substance with the pestle against the wall of the mortar, thus turning it into a fine powder.

Sachet d'epices - Bagging your spices

My Molcajete = motar and pestle

A small cheesecloth sack containing herbs and spices used to add flavor to stocks.
Translates literally to "bag of spices" in French.
Often referred to simply as a sachet.
Common items included in a sachet d'épices are:








Spices you can use:

• dried thyme
• parsley stems
• bay leaf
• whole peppercorns
• whole cloves
• cinnamon

Depending on what I have on hand. I do keep a lot of the little sack's from the cooking store on hand.




 

There have been times when I have had to take cheese cloth and make my own. This works but you need to double up the cheese cloth and keep an eye on it. Great way to add spice to jams and soups .




I love it because I use fresh herb that I have bought bulk or dried myself. I do a lot of canning and preserving so I always have cheese cloth handy to make the little pouch. 

 I hope this helps you with any future cooking adventures you have in store. xoxo