FINES HERBES Vs. BOUQUET GARNI

You are looking at recipes trying to decide what to make. As you are reading each recipe you see that a few ask for Fines Herbes or Bouquet Garni. What the heck are they talking about and what is the difference between the two?

The French term Fines Herbes means to combine herbs to be used in flavoring dishes. The herbs are chopped fine, then mixed together and mixed into the food just before serving. Common uses would be in sauces, soups and cream cheese spreads. You could also use Fines Herbes when cooking scrambled eggs or omelet’s to add flavor.

The French term Bouquet Garni typically means to use dried herbs. Combine the herbs requested into a small cheesecloth or muslin bag. Place the bag into whatever it is that you are cooking. Just before completing the preparation or serving, remove the Bouquet Garni and discard it. Typically the flavor will be released fairly quickly (approx ½ of the baking time in most cases) when preparing hot dishes. Remember if you are preparing cold dishes or salads to allow at least 2-3 hours for the Garni to release its flavors.