I first tasted tarragon as an adult and at the Nicollet Island Inn in Minneapolis. From that day on, I fell in love with the herb. Fresh herbs are very different from dried, and tarragon is no exception. This is one recipe where I prefer the dried, more concentrated flavor. Having a fennel-like, licorice taste, it is unusual yet versatile. My spaghetti sauce is not complete without it. This dish is so simple to prepare, and is delicious served with plain jasmine rice. (Recipe included)

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Perfect rice no longer needs to be a big ordeal or a guessing game. For most rice dishes, I use jasmine rice. It has a unique flavor; much more so than regular white rice. I always make a big batch so that I may use some now and store the rest for another dish.
It is most economical to buy rice in bulk. I purchase a large (25 lb) bag of jasmine rice. I store my rice in a huge decorative jar in my kitchen, as I do with my pasta. Rice is a staple in our house. Nutritious and delicious!

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What is my philosophy in the kitchen of Flavors that Rock?
Preparing foods should be generally somewhat easy..... Of course there will be times when you will labor more than usual. For those events, you will be well prepared and relaxed for the work at hand, because you will have planned in advance for both your time and ingredients. Some people are intimidated by food. Don't be! There are many beautiful things to create in your kitchen. All it takes is a little bit of practice!

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Cantina Style Salsa and Fresh Tortilla Chips

This salsa is the best fresh salsa EVER! Vary the peppers used for the heat level you want. I prefer a medium salsa, so I will toss in 1 or 2 jalapenos, whereas my husband likes the heat brought with habaneros. I don't use measuring cups or spoons for this, but for the sake of the recipe follower, I give approximate measurements.



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