Put some bay in boiling water and taste it. It changes over time, though, so don't assume that what you get after two minutes is exactly the flavor you'll get in your stew after simmering for two hours.
It adds a very light menthol flavor that you would probably miss and say, "This is missing something but I can't put my finger on it." That's always bay and or salt.
It gives it a lite peppery taste with out smashing a bunch of pepper corns. Give the leaves a sniff before you use them. If there is no scent at all, they're useless throw them out and get new ones.
I know what it does: our house rules. If you get the bay leaf scoop of spaghetti sauce you have dish duty. Yes this was a thing when my kids lived at home. My daughter’s friends remember this and remind me when they see a bay leaf.
Comments