DIY Herbes De Provence Rev 07/31/19 We Bring Nature Indoors

Home , Bay leaf, Herb, Herbes de Provence

Summary: Residents will create their own Herbes de Provence spice blend after learning the history behind it.

Activity Objectives: Resident will engage cognitive and sensory stimulation.

Background Just hearing the words “Herbes de Provence” can sweep one away to scenes of rolling hills covered in vineyards, olive trees and lavender as far as the eye can see. Hailing from the southeastern region of France, this herbaceous mix has become one of the most popular spice blends of all time. Although this iconic blend seems like an eternal French staple, the story of Herbes de Provence in fact began much more recently. The person to introduce the spice blend to the international culinary scene was Julia Childs when she included a recipe for Poulet Saute aux Herbes de Provence in her classic cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Before her, the term just referred to any mix of herbs that were grown in Provence. The popularity of the mixture really took off in the 1970s, when the Ducros France brand began marketing and selling to overseas consumers. In this country, Herbes de Provence in clay pots became the gift of choice proffered to hosts at dinner parties. Like most spice blends that define a culture, there is no set formula for the ideal Herbes de Provence. Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf are considered the standard ingredients, but other herbs often incorporated are oregano, basil, tarragon, marjoram, savory, sage, fennel, dill. Lavender isn’t typically found in the French blend, but Herbes de Provence packets sold in the United States have come to include the ingredient as a nod to the idyllic lavender fields that come to mind when one thinks of Provence. Herbes de Provence can be used for grilled meat and vegetables, fish, sauces, pasta, tomato-based recipes, soups, pie fillings, and salad dressings. But if you want the most classic recipe – try it in ratatouille! The versatility of the blend only helped to boost its popularity and today you can easily find it in supermarkets across the country. But what could be more Provençal than making your own spice blend, fresh from your herb garden?

Supplies per resident: • 4 tablespoons thyme

• 3 tablespoons marjoram • 3 tablespoons summer savory

• 2 tablespoons rosemary • 1 tablespoon tarragon

• 1 tablespoon basil • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

• 1 teaspoon mint • 1 teaspoon chervil

• 1 teaspoon mint • 1 teaspoon lavender

• Funnel • Spice container (repurposed containers are recommended or you can purchase this set of 12 on Amazon)

Directions:

1. Prior to class, if you have not already purchased a set of spice containers, check with the kitchen to see if they have old spice containers that can be washed out and reused for this activity. 2. Before class, grind (separately) the rosemary and fennel seeds in a spice grinder or food processor. 3. Start class by sharing the Background Information on Herbes de Provence. 4. Give each participating resident their own tablespoon, bowl and spice container. 5. Have a large serving of each ingredient in a bowl or jar that residents can scoop from as they make their own herb mix. 6. Before making the Herbes de Provence, let residents identify and sample (through smell or taste) each herb and spice individually. You could even turn it into a game and play Name That Spice! If you choose to play Name That Spice, you’ll want to make sure each spice or herb has a removable label that you can add to the container once residents have identified what it is.

7. Using a funnel, have residents pour their Herbes de Provence into their spice container. 8. Optional: Add a label to the spice jar with the name of the spice and date it was made so residents will know what the contents are later. 9. Discuss with residents all the options they have for using their Herbes de Provence, including seasoning chicken, fish, salads, vegetables, soups, and stews. 10. Optional: Have a taste test with a store-bought mix Herbes de Provence and your creation. Which do residents prefer?