Infused Oils

Jodies Kitchen Infused Oils

Artisan Handcrafted Homemade

Call them what ever you want,but call them good.

 If you have ever purchased flavored oils from the Grocery store or a specialty shop then you know yourself they can be expensive.Making these yourself is simple and very Inexpensive.

You know exactly whats in them and you can take pride in knowing you have handcrafted something of your own that is fresh and full of flavor.

I have been making my own flavored oils for many years now.I have given them many times over the years as welcomed gifts for Family & Friends.

I make many different kinds as well.The varieties you can handcraft is endless.

This time of year in our herb gardens we have plenty of things to choose from to flavor our oils.

All of these oils pictured use olive oil,but you can use what ever oil you choose.

Lemon Thyme Infused Oil Pictured on the left is a lovely flavor if you have never experienced it.You get the delicious thyme flavor you are accustomed to but with a great punch of lemon.

Chilli Oil Pictured in the middle is a combination of cayenne and a variety of hot Asian peppers.Though this is not a herb it makes a great flavored oil in which I can add to a variety of things for a little spice.

Rosemary Oil Pictured on the right is a nice oil for those who may not be accustomed to the strong flavor of Rosemary because you can use as little or as much as you wish when flavoring your dishes. 

The process is very simple: I heat oil slightly in a pot on the stove.Take off heat and add my cleaned herbs or chillies.(I do slice some of the chillies when making the chilli oil so I can have some of the seeds) Once oil is cool I add to my cleaned jars.

I am not canning these for long time storage so that's pretty much all you need to do.The longer they sit and the more infusions you add the stronger the flavor.

 I store these in a cool dark place but not the refrigerator.I don't know how long they could possibly last because I make small batches and they are used up pretty fast around my house. 

Combinations are endless as I said so use your imagination. 

Garlic Cloves are also one of my favorites to add to these but I didn't have any at the time I was making these.I do smash my fresh garlic cloves when infusing oils.

Which brings me to the next thing! 

Say you don't have fresh herbs but still want infused oils.Well take a look around in your spice pantry because you can add dried herbs as well,even seasoning salts,garlic powder,onion powder.This method would be more like making up a marinade that could be used in many ways.These will need to be shaken before use because these things will settle on the bottom.

Here are a few ideas for your infused oils!

Add oils such as infused basil oils to tomatoes and mozzarella salads.

 Pork and chicken is great with the Rosemary or Thyme oils.

Chilli oil is great on any meat in my opinion and gives it a great spice if you would like a quick saute with some heat.

Infused oils are great on potatoes or vegetables for roasting, baking,or grilling.

 Add infused oils to your french breads for grilling or baking in the oven...add cheese and you have a great herb and cheese french bread.

For more information on Herbs visit my Forums section on Face Book .