The first recorded use of aromatic plants as food flavors was during the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE)
The tradition and love for flavoring our foods has advanced with civilization. In accordance with this evolution of our human palate essential oils with GRAS status have been used by the food industry for many, many years as food flavoring agents.
We are beginning to see the use of essential oils as food flavoring agents emerging in fine culinary institutes and restaurants. For those who love adding a unique element of spice and flavor to dishes that's never before been experienced essential oils can truly delight.
Now you can make your own unique and exquisite creations to share with your family and friends. Aromatherapy Foods can also make great gift ideas for those special occasions.
Flavoring your foods with essential oils is easy and fun to do. Here’s a classic recipe for you try that’s sure to be a favorite.
Lemon Bars
For a tender, flaky crust for these tart and sweet bars, the buttery dough is first handmade and pre-baked so it stays light and crisp after the addition of fresh made lemon filling.
What you will need:
- Medium bowl, chilled
- Wire whisk
- Pastry cutter or stainless steel fork
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ powdered sugar, sifted, plus more for dusting bars
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, slightly chilled and cut into small pieces
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups raw cane sugar
- 3 medium lemons, grated zest outer lemon peel
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, (about 8 medium lemons)
- Lemon pure essential oil 1-3 drops
- 1/4 tsp salt, blend into sifted flour (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a medium bowl that’s been chilled, combine flour and confectioners' sugar (put a little of the confectioners’ sugar aside for dusting the top of the lemon bars).
- Use a pastry cutter, or fork to cut butter into 2 cups of the four mixture until butter is thoroughly covered with flour. Gently pat the buttery dough into a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish.
- Bake 20-25 minutes, until crust is golden brown. Chill a medium bowl for blending lemon bar filling. When the crust is a golden brown take it out of the oven and set the baking dish with crust on a rack to cool.
- Reduce oven to 300 degrees.
- Whisk eggs and raw can sugar together in a chilled medium bowl. Add lemon zest, juice and lemon essential oil and blend thoroughly together. Blend in remaining 1/2 cup of flour.
- Pour lemon filling into baked crust and bake until the filling sets, about 40-45 minutes.
- Cool on a rack, then refrigerate until well chilled before slicing, 3-4 hours or more.
- Before serving dust the top of the lemon bars with the extra confectioners sugar you put aside. Slice the lemon bars into square pieces with a cold, sharp knife, and serve. Makes about 3 dozen squares
Many essential oils have GRAS status by the FDA and can be used as food flavoring agents.
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READ my first article in this series, Aromatherapy Dominates Global Market - Healthcare Revolution!
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