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

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

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.

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

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 >,
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

"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

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.

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

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

Sachet

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

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

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

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

"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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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?

"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

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.

"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.