While perusing the Victoria Taylor site for my latest batch of spice orders, I came across the Herbes de Provence. I recalled fondly that my father had at one time had a Herbes de Provence blend, and since I trusted Victoria's spices, I figured I would pick up a jar and try it out myself. Boy, am I glad I did.
I started by putting it on my fish due to the lemon peel ingredient it has listed. This is now the only way I make fish. I cover it in this spice mix and add butter or olive oil. That's it. For someone who will usually take about an hour and half to cook a meal because I feel the need to perfect it, throwing this spice on and throwing some butter in the pan, I can have dinner done in 20 minutes (because of the other sides, not because I'm over cooking my fish, I promise). You have no idea how much of a game changer that was.
Once I had figured that out, I began to try to use it on everything. Making marinara and meatballs and need a good sauce base? Herbes de Provence. Bagel Pizzas? Herbes de Provence. Need a really savory chicken dish? Chicken + Herb de Provence. Any type of fish (tilapia, salmon, swai, cod, whiting, red snapper are all ones that I've tried) grilled, fried, or sauteed, add this Herb de Provence, and you're golden.
I try to put into words the beauty of my spice blends, but this one leaves me at a loss. My favorite little game for myself is pick out the notes of different herbs and spices in foods, and this one leaves me at a loss of just "Oh my dear sweet Lord, thank you. This is good." With the garlic at the forefront for your palate, the salt mixing in throughout with the oregano, majoram, rosemary, and thyme for the middle, and then finishing it off with the lemon peel and lavender, it's absolutely perfect.
I would have never thought to try lavender in food. Tea or delicate desserts, sure, but an entree? I promise you, not only can you never go wrong with Victoria Taylor spices, but this Herb de Provence is special, and definitely one of my single favorite spice blends.
It's delicious and versatile, and to add a bonus to the mix, my husband finds this single blend so good, he no longer minds how much I spend on spices. "If it helps make your food this good, you go ahead and get what you need." I don't take this improvement on my spice budget for granted, but that is by far one of the favorite things my husband has ever said to me, and thus I can always have a jar of Herbes de Provence.
