Katra wrote:
> Ok, I know this is really going to make me sound ignorant, but my mom

> almost never used bay leaves and I did learn to cook mostly from
her....
>
> so what is up with Bay Leaves?

They are the leaves from the Bay tree.

> Why do I want to use them?

They make soups and stews very savory.

> What flavor do they impart?

Um...Bay flavor. ;P They are pretty strong. One is plenty.

http://www.mccormick.com/productdetail.cfm?ID=6337

>
> I understand you use them whole because you need to remove
> them when you are done as they are toxic if eaten???

I don't think so. I think they are just woody.

>
> Please don't judge me, educate me!

Well, howdya know if nobody teached ya?


> Thank you! :-)
>

Yer welcome!

-L.