Oils

Home made flavoured oils are very easy to make and are, generally, flavoured with herbs but stronger flavoured ingredients such as chillies and garlic can also be used.  Garlic flavoured oil is a great kitchen standby as is chilli flavoured oil.

Flavoured oils add interest to mayonnaise and salad dressings and they can also add subtle flavouring to casseroles by sealing the meat in an appropriate oil, e.g. sage oil for pork, rosemary oil for lamb. When roasting or grilling the meat can be brushed with the oil before cooking. Alternatively, they can be used in sauces instead of other fats.