Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them.

I went to one of my local supermarkets (I have more to choose from) and
looked for these bags in the "baking needs" aisle (flour, sugar, oils,
etc). Then I looked in the kitchen gadgets section (cooking spoons,
measuring cups, thermometers, etc). Finally I looked in the spice
section. No bags.

I asked someone, but they didn't know what I was talking about. Though,
something tells me that my fave Asian market would have them.

Thanks for any help.

-J

Nina wrote:
> On Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:04:54 -0600, phaeton >
> wrote:
>
>> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
>> of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
>> that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them.
>>
>> I went to one of my local supermarkets (I have more to choose from) and
>> looked for these bags in the "baking needs" aisle (flour, sugar, oils,
>> etc). Then I looked in the kitchen gadgets section (cooking spoons,
>> measuring cups, thermometers, etc). Finally I looked in the spice
>> section. No bags.
>>
>> I asked someone, but they didn't know what I was talking about. Though,
>> something tells me that my fave Asian market would have them.
>
> Bouquet garni bags.
>
> You can make your own with a bit of cheesecloth.
>
> Nina

Thanks.

I guess I'll have to learn how to sew then? And where does one buy
cheesecloth?

Thanks again.

-J

You don't have to sew them. Just cut a square big enough to gather the
spices/herbs into, bunch it up into a 'package' and tie the top shut with
string. Usually double/triple/more thickness depending on the
weave/strength of the cheesecloth.

Check fabric shops for the material.

Other uses as well - straining paint - decorating for a 'faux' finish
(bunched into a wad) - and sometimes even for wrapping/straining/curing
cheese!!

JonquilJan

Learn something new every day
As long as you are learning, you are living
When you stop learning, you start dying

On Feb 7, 11:04*am, phaeton > wrote:
> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
> of soup recipes? *I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
> that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them.
>
> I went to one of my local supermarkets (I have more to choose from) and
> looked for these bags in the "baking needs" aisle (flour, sugar, oils,
> etc). *Then I looked in the kitchen gadgets section (cooking spoons,
> measuring cups, thermometers, etc). *Finally I looked in the spice
> section. *No bags.

Besides making a bag from cheesecloth and tying it with string, you
can (subject to size of ingredients) use a large mesh tea
strainer. -aem

"phaeton" > ha scritto nel messaggio
...
> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot of
> soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so that
> after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them.
>
> I went to one of my local supermarkets (I have more to choose from) and
> looked for these bags in the "baking needs" aisle (flour, sugar, oils,
> etc). Then I looked in the kitchen gadgets section (cooking spoons,
> measuring cups, thermometers, etc). Finally I looked in the spice
> section. No bags.
>
> I asked someone, but they didn't know what I was talking about. Though,
> something tells me that my fave Asian market would have them.
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> -JYes. I know what you are speaking of. But you don't need to buy it. I
> use it when I make "brasato al barolo" or for "civet" . You only put your
> herbs in a gauze, the one you use for injuries.

--
Cheers
Pandora

On Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:28:46 -0600, phaeton >
wrote:

>Nina wrote:
>> On Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:04:54 -0600, phaeton >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
>>> of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
>>> that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them.
>>>
>>> I went to one of my local supermarkets (I have more to choose from) and
>>> looked for these bags in the "baking needs" aisle (flour, sugar, oils,
>>> etc). Then I looked in the kitchen gadgets section (cooking spoons,
>>> measuring cups, thermometers, etc). Finally I looked in the spice
>>> section. No bags.
>>>
>>> I asked someone, but they didn't know what I was talking about. Though,
>>> something tells me that my fave Asian market would have them.
>>
>> Bouquet garni bags.
>>
>> You can make your own with a bit of cheesecloth.
>>
>> Nina
>
>Thanks.
>
>I guess I'll have to learn how to sew then? And where does one buy
>cheesecloth?
>
>Thanks again.
>
>-J


You don't have to sew. Take a couple of layers of cheesecloth or
other thin fabric, put the herbs and spices in the middle and tie it
up with kitchen twine or dental floss. Tie the bag to the pot
handles. When done, take it out and toss it in the garbage.

You can usually find cheesecloth in the grocery stores. It comes in a
plastic bag with a yard or so of fabric. If not, look in the
restaurant supply stores.

--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral,
48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974)

JonquilJan wrote:

> You don't have to sew them. Just cut a square big enough to gather the
> spices/herbs into, bunch it up into a 'package' and tie the top shut with
> string. Usually double/triple/more thickness depending on the
> weave/strength of the cheesecloth.
>
> Check fabric shops for the material.
>
> Other uses as well - straining paint - decorating for a 'faux' finish
> (bunched into a wad) - and sometimes even for wrapping/straining/curing
> cheese!!


You could also use a old sock - or even pantyhose...!!!


--
Best
Greg

On Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:12:08 -0500, Nina >
wrote:

>You can make your own with a bit of cheesecloth.

You can buy it very inexpensivly at a hardware, i.e. paint department.
W-S and others sell it for six to eight times the price it should be.

"Goomba" > wrote in message
...
> Nina wrote:
>> On Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:04:54 -0600, phaeton >
>> wrote:
>>> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
>>> of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
>>> that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them
>
>>
>> Bouquet garni bags.
>>
>> You can make your own with a bit of cheesecloth. Nina
>
> Isn't bouquet garni a bag of particular spices and herbs rather than the
> bag itself?



The bag is cheesecloth (usually double-folded), tied with plain white
kitchen string. Available in grocery and hardware stores. When it contains
herbs and spices it is called bouquet garni.

Jill

Nina wrote:
> On Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:04:54 -0600, phaeton >
> wrote:
>> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
>> of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
>> that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them

>
> Bouquet garni bags.
>
> You can make your own with a bit of cheesecloth.
>
> Nina

Isn't bouquet garni a bag of particular spices and herbs rather than the
bag itself?

Susan wrote:

>
> Any name for those little muslin bags escapes me, but I have seen them
> in the loose tea section of some stores.
>
> Susan

And to the OP, a tea ball works well for this purpose also!

Goomba wrote on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:02:22 -0500:

>> Any name for those little muslin bags escapes me, but I have seen
>> them in the loose tea section of some stores.
>>
>> Susan

>And to the OP, a tea ball works well for this purpose also!

That might work well but the amount needed might overflow. I think
surgical gauze or cheesecloth would be best. They are cheap enough for
one-off use.

--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

phaeton wrote:
> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
> of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
> that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them.
>
> I went to one of my local supermarkets (I have more to choose from) and
> looked for these bags in the "baking needs" aisle (flour, sugar, oils,
> etc). Then I looked in the kitchen gadgets section (cooking spoons,
> measuring cups, thermometers, etc). Finally I looked in the spice
> section. No bags.
>
> I asked someone, but they didn't know what I was talking about. Though,
> something tells me that my fave Asian market would have them.


I assume that you are talking about a bouquet garnis. All you need is
some cheese cloth. Cut off a large enough piece, put the herbs on it,
pull up the corners and tie it up. You don't need to buy special bags.
Even if you can find them they are probably expensive.

Goomba wrote:
> Nina wrote:
>> On Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:04:54 -0600, phaeton >
>> wrote:
>>> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a
>>> lot of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag,
>>> so that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them
>
>>
>> Bouquet garni bags.
>>
>> You can make your own with a bit of cheesecloth.
>> Nina
>
> Isn't bouquet garni a bag of particular spices and herbs rather than the
> bag itself?


It is usually parsley, thyme and bay leaf. If you use fresh herbs they
don't even need the bag. You can just tie them into a bundle. Until
recently, fresh herbs have been hard to find for a lot of people,
especially in the off season. Fresh herbs are much more popular now,
probably due to the influence of cooking shows and the number of places
producing them year round in green houses. If you use dried herbs the
bag is required.

In article >,
phaeton > wrote:

> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
> of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
> that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them.
>
> I went to one of my local supermarkets (I have more to choose from) and
> looked for these bags in the "baking needs" aisle (flour, sugar, oils,
> etc). Then I looked in the kitchen gadgets section (cooking spoons,
> measuring cups, thermometers, etc). Finally I looked in the spice
> section. No bags.
>
> I asked someone, but they didn't know what I was talking about. Though,
> something tells me that my fave Asian market would have them.
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> -J

Muslin. You can also just wrap herbs in cheesecloth. That might be
easier to find.

I actually bought a brand new pair of 100% cotton socks to use. That
works well. :-) They stay in the kitchen! Never on feet... <g>
--
Peace! Om

"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends." -- Gandalf the Gray

In article >,
"JonquilJan" > wrote:

> You don't have to sew them. Just cut a square big enough to gather the
> spices/herbs into, bunch it up into a 'package' and tie the top shut with
> string. Usually double/triple/more thickness depending on the
> weave/strength of the cheesecloth.
>
> Check fabric shops for the material.
>
> Other uses as well - straining paint - decorating for a 'faux' finish
> (bunched into a wad) - and sometimes even for wrapping/straining/curing
> cheese!!
>
> JonquilJan
>
> Learn something new every day
> As long as you are learning, you are living
> When you stop learning, you start dying

Cheesecloth is a must for making yogurt cheese...
--
Peace! Om

"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends." -- Gandalf the Gray

In article > ,
"Gregory Morrow" > wrote:

> JonquilJan wrote:
>
> > You don't have to sew them. Just cut a square big enough to gather the
> > spices/herbs into, bunch it up into a 'package' and tie the top shut with
> > string. Usually double/triple/more thickness depending on the
> > weave/strength of the cheesecloth.
> >
> > Check fabric shops for the material.
> >
> > Other uses as well - straining paint - decorating for a 'faux' finish
> > (bunched into a wad) - and sometimes even for wrapping/straining/curing
> > cheese!!
>
>
> You could also use a old sock - or even pantyhose...!!!

Actually, I use a NEW sock.
I like the idea tho' of using a mesh tea strainer.

Easier to clean.
--
Peace! Om

"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends." -- Gandalf the Gray

phaeton wrote:
>
> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
> of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
> that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them.
>
> I went to one of my local supermarkets (I have more to choose from) and
> looked for these bags in the "baking needs" aisle (flour, sugar, oils,
> etc). Then I looked in the kitchen gadgets section (cooking spoons,
> measuring cups, thermometers, etc). Finally I looked in the spice
> section. No bags.
>
> I asked someone, but they didn't know what I was talking about. Though,
> something tells me that my fave Asian market would have them.
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> -J

Just 'muslin bags'. They would be found in the tea section, as they are
also used to enclose tea for brewing a cuppa.

James Silverton wrote:
>
> Goomba wrote on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:02:22 -0500:
>
> >> Any name for those little muslin bags escapes me, but I have seen
> >> them in the loose tea section of some stores.
> >>
> >> Susan
>
> >And to the OP, a tea ball works well for this purpose also!
>
> That might work well but the amount needed might overflow. I think
> surgical gauze or cheesecloth would be best. They are cheap enough for
> one-off use.
>


There are 'supersized' tea balls specifically for holding spices. We
have one but can't remember where we got it.

Dave Smith wrote:
> phaeton wrote:
>> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a
>> lot of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag,
>> so that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them.
>>
>> I went to one of my local supermarkets (I have more to choose from)
>> and looked for these bags in the "baking needs" aisle (flour, sugar,
>> oils, etc). Then I looked in the kitchen gadgets section (cooking
>> spoons, measuring cups, thermometers, etc). Finally I looked in the
>> spice section. No bags.
>>
>> I asked someone, but they didn't know what I was talking about.
>> Though, something tells me that my fave Asian market would have them.
>
>
> I assume that you are talking about a bouquet garnis. All you need is
> some cheese cloth. Cut off a large enough piece, put the herbs on it,
> pull up the corners and tie it up. You don't need to buy special bags.
> Even if you can find them they are probably expensive.


So if I buy cheesecloth, is it 'food ready' or do I have to do some sort
of preliminary cleansing?

Thanks.

phaeton wrote:

> So if I buy cheesecloth, is it 'food ready' or do I have to do some sort
> of preliminary cleansing?

Nope. No prep necessary. Toss it when you are done (the stuff is really
cheap). I use cheesecloth when roasting turkeys.

You might want to look for cheesecloth in a package that says "kitchen
grade" or "for cooking" ...

--Lin

Susan wrote:

> Isn't it made for processing cheese?
>
> Hence the name... :-)

True. But, I've found it in hardware stores and I've known people that
used it for cleaning (car parts, furniture, etc) and craft projects. So
IF there are differences in the "grade" of the material, I think I'd
rather get the stuff that says it's kitchen ready. I have come across
packages that didn't say anything about kitchen use, but that was years
ago and maybe it was assumed that was the only place it would be used.
Dunno. I know that I feel better with the right wording. ;-)

--Lin

In article >,
phaeton > wrote:

> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
> of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
> -J

Muslin spice bag.

--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100072

In article >,
phaeton > wrote:

> So if I buy cheesecloth, is it 'food ready' or do I have to do some sort
> of preliminary cleansing?

Giving it a rinse wouldn't hurt, especially if you bought it from a bolt
in a fabric store; it probably has sizing in it.

--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100072

In article >, Arri London >
wrote:
> There are 'supersized' tea balls specifically for holding spices. We
> have one but can't remember where we got it.

Chinese supermarkets have all kinds of interesting kitchen utensils. I
saw a Bigass(TM) teaball at a couple markets within the last two weeks.

--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100041
-- a woman my age shouldn't
have this much fun!

"Gregory Morrow" > wrote in message
m...
>
> JonquilJan wrote:
>
>> You don't have to sew them. Just cut a square big enough to gather the
>> spices/herbs into, bunch it up into a 'package' and tie the top shut with
>> string. Usually double/triple/more thickness depending on the
>> weave/strength of the cheesecloth.
>>
>> Check fabric shops for the material.
>>
>> Other uses as well - straining paint - decorating for a 'faux' finish
>> (bunched into a wad) - and sometimes even for wrapping/straining/curing
>> cheese!!
>
>
> You could also use a old sock - or even pantyhose...!!!
>
Or a coffee filter.

"phaeton" > wrote in message
...
> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot of
> soup recipes? -J

Sachet

"Goomba" > wrote in message
...
> Nina wrote:
>> On Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:04:54 -0600, phaeton >
>> wrote:
>>> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
>>> of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
>>> that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them
>
>>
>> Bouquet garni bags.
>>
>> You can make your own with a bit of cheesecloth. Nina
>
> Isn't bouquet garni a bag of particular spices and herbs rather than the
> bag itself?

Yes, a small bag is known as a sachet. You can put anything you want in it.
Often used for potpourri too.

Omelet wrote:
> In article > ,
> "Gregory Morrow" > wrote:
>
>> JonquilJan wrote:
>>
>>> You don't have to sew them. Just cut a square big enough to gather the
>>> spices/herbs into, bunch it up into a 'package' and tie the top shut with
>>> string. Usually double/triple/more thickness depending on the
>>> weave/strength of the cheesecloth.
>>>
>>> Check fabric shops for the material.
>>>
>>> Other uses as well - straining paint - decorating for a 'faux' finish
>>> (bunched into a wad) - and sometimes even for wrapping/straining/curing
>>> cheese!!
>>
>> You could also use a old sock - or even pantyhose...!!!
>
> Actually, I use a NEW sock.
> I like the idea tho' of using a mesh tea strainer.
>
> Easier to clean.


I once bought some pantyhose for my dryer vent. I got lots of curious
looks.

-J

In article >,
phaeton > wrote:

> Omelet wrote:
> > In article > ,
> > "Gregory Morrow" > wrote:
> >
> >> JonquilJan wrote:
> >>
> >>> You don't have to sew them. Just cut a square big enough to gather the
> >>> spices/herbs into, bunch it up into a 'package' and tie the top shut with
> >>> string. Usually double/triple/more thickness depending on the
> >>> weave/strength of the cheesecloth.
> >>>
> >>> Check fabric shops for the material.
> >>>
> >>> Other uses as well - straining paint - decorating for a 'faux' finish
> >>> (bunched into a wad) - and sometimes even for wrapping/straining/curing
> >>> cheese!!
> >>
> >> You could also use a old sock - or even pantyhose...!!!
> >
> > Actually, I use a NEW sock.
> > I like the idea tho' of using a mesh tea strainer.
> >
> > Easier to clean.
>
>
> I once bought some pantyhose for my dryer vent. I got lots of curious
> looks.
>
> -J

<giggles> I'll bet you did! The ones in the Egg?
--
Peace! Om

"Criminals thrive on the indulgence of societies understanding."

-- From "Batman Begins"

"Omelet" > ha scritto nel messaggio
news
> In article >,
> phaeton > wrote:
>
>> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
>> of soup recipes? I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
>> that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them.
>>
>> I went to one of my local supermarkets (I have more to choose from) and
>> looked for these bags in the "baking needs" aisle (flour, sugar, oils,
>> etc). Then I looked in the kitchen gadgets section (cooking spoons,
>> measuring cups, thermometers, etc). Finally I looked in the spice
>> section. No bags.
>>
>> I asked someone, but they didn't know what I was talking about. Though,
>> something tells me that my fave Asian market would have them.
>>
>> Thanks for any help.
>>
>> -J
>
> Muslin. You can also just wrap herbs in cheesecloth. That might be
> easier to find.
>
> I actually bought a brand new pair of 100% cotton socks to use. That
> works well. :-) They stay in the kitchen! Never on feet... <g>

ROTFL!

--
Cheers
Pandora

"Arri London" > ha scritto nel messaggio
...
>
>
> James Silverton wrote:
>>
>> Goomba wrote on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:02:22 -0500:
>>
>> >> Any name for those little muslin bags escapes me, but I have seen
>> >> them in the loose tea section of some stores.
>> >>
>> >> Susan
>>
>> >And to the OP, a tea ball works well for this purpose also!
>>
>> That might work well but the amount needed might overflow. I think
>> surgical gauze or cheesecloth would be best. They are cheap enough for
>> one-off use.
>>
>
>
> There are 'supersized' tea balls specifically for holding spices. We
> have one but can't remember where we got it.

Yes, I had a big tea ball (very big) but it is a little difficult to find.

--
Cheers
Pandora

On Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:05:09 -0800, Lin wrote:

> Susan wrote:
>
>> Isn't it made for processing cheese?
>>
>> Hence the name... :-)
>
> True. But, I've found it in hardware stores and I've known people that
> used it for cleaning (car parts, furniture, etc) and craft projects. So
> IF there are differences in the "grade" of the material, I think I'd
> rather get the stuff that says it's kitchen ready. I have come across
> packages that didn't say anything about kitchen use, but that was years
> ago and maybe it was assumed that was the only place it would be used.
> Dunno. I know that I feel better with the right wording. ;-)
>
> --Lin

i don't think that the stuff in the hardware store is any less 'food grade'
than that in food stores. it's different from, say, mineral oil, which
might have additives making it unsuitable for food. don't know for sure,
though.

your pal,
blake

"blake murphy" ha scritto nel messaggio > i don't think that the stuff in
the hardware store is any less 'food grade'> than that in food stores. it's
different from, say, mineral oil, which> might have additives making it
unsuitable for food. don't know for sure,
> though.
>
> your pal,
> blake

I have had stink of iodine which makes it impossible for cookery.

Giusi wrote on Sun, 8 Feb 2009 19:21:05 +0100:

> "blake murphy" ha scritto nel messaggio > i don't think that
> the stuff in the hardware store is any less 'food grade'> than
> that in food stores. it's different from, say, mineral oil,
> which> might have additives making it unsuitable for food.
> don't know for sure,
>> though.
>>
>> your pal,
>> blake

> I have had stink of iodine which makes it impossible for cookery.

It's an extreme of parsimony to reuse old medical dressings :-)


--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

On Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:34:58 GMT, James Silverton wrote:

> Giusi wrote on Sun, 8 Feb 2009 19:21:05 +0100:
>
>> "blake murphy" ha scritto nel messaggio > i don't think that
>> the stuff in the hardware store is any less 'food grade'> than
>> that in food stores. it's different from, say, mineral oil,
>> which> might have additives making it unsuitable for food.
>> don't know for sure,
>>> though.
>>>
>>> your pal,
>>> blake
>
>> I have had stink of iodine which makes it impossible for cookery.
>
> It's an extreme of parsimony to reuse old medical dressings :-)

<snort>

james, you rascal!

your pal,
blake

Pandora wrote:
>
> "Arri London" > ha scritto nel messaggio
> ...
> >
> >
> > James Silverton wrote:
> >>
> >> Goomba wrote on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:02:22 -0500:
> >>
> >> >> Any name for those little muslin bags escapes me, but I have seen
> >> >> them in the loose tea section of some stores.
> >> >>
> >> >> Susan
> >>
> >> >And to the OP, a tea ball works well for this purpose also!
> >>
> >> That might work well but the amount needed might overflow. I think
> >> surgical gauze or cheesecloth would be best. They are cheap enough for
> >> one-off use.
> >>
> >
> >
> > There are 'supersized' tea balls specifically for holding spices. We
> > have one but can't remember where we got it.
>
> Yes, I had a big tea ball (very big) but it is a little difficult to find.
>
> --
> Cheers
> Pandora

A good kitchen or restaurant supply place might have such things. Or as
Barb pointed out, a well-stocked Asian shop.

On Feb 7, 1:28*pm, phaeton > wrote:
> Nina wrote:
> > On Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:04:54 -0600, phaeton >
> > wrote:
>
> >> Is there any special name for the cotton bags I see referenced in a lot
> >> of soup recipes? *I.e., you put your spices and herbs in the bag, so
> >> that after they've cooked into the broth you can easily remove them.
>
> >> I went to one of my local supermarkets (I have more to choose from) and
> >> looked for these bags in the "baking needs" aisle (flour, sugar, oils,
> >> etc). *Then I looked in the kitchen gadgets section (cooking spoons,
> >> measuring cups, thermometers, etc). *Finally I looked in the spice
> >> section. *No bags.
>
> >> I asked someone, but they didn't know what I was talking about. *Though,
> >> something tells me that my fave Asian market would have them.
>
> > Bouquet garni bags.
>
> > You can make your own with a bit of cheesecloth.
>
> > Nina
>
> Thanks.
>
> I guess I'll have to learn how to sew then? *And where does one buy
> cheesecloth?
>
> Thanks again.
>
> -J- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

No, you just pull 4 corners together and tie them with cotton cord.
With cheesecloth (cheaper at a fabric shop, but convenient from the
grocery store - comes folded in a little flat plastic bag - look in
the baking aisle or with the paper supplies) -- OR, better idea maybe
- use a "tea ball," one of those holey metal infuser gizmos with a lid
- you unscrew the lid, plop in the herbs/spices, screw the lid back
on, and drop in the soup or whatever. Easy to find when you want to
remove it.

N.

Nina > wrote:

> You can usually get cheesecloth in just about any store... it's often
> with cleaning product, sometimes with baking/preserving products

You would think that, but I haven't been able to find cheesecloth
at my local grocery stores in recent months. Hadn't been looking
for it before that. Years ago I remember seeing it in almost any
grocery store, but not now. I mean, it's not like there has been
some sudden drop-off in home cheese making in the past 20 years.
I'm not sure why it's become hard to find.

I may try the hardware store . . . just haven't thought about it
when I've been there recently.

Bill Ranck
Blacksburg, Va.

wrote:

> You would think that, but I haven't been able to find cheesecloth
> at my local grocery stores in recent months. Hadn't been looking
> for it before that. Years ago I remember seeing it in almost any
> grocery store, but not now. I mean, it's not like there has been
> some sudden drop-off in home cheese making in the past 20 years.
> I'm not sure why it's become hard to find.
>
> I may try the hardware store . . . just haven't thought about it
> when I've been there recently.


I buy it by the yard from a fabric supply store at a fraction of
what it costs in supermarkets.

And don't worry about "food grade" cheesecloth. Just wash it first.
Run it through a washing machine on gentle cycle, then dry on a
hanger (a dryer will tear it up).

Blessed are the cheesemakers.