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Quick Guide to Poppy Seeds, published on 23 Apr 2007
Poppy seeds are harvested from the poppy plant. Poppies are thought to have originated in Western Asia and have been cultivated in Europe since prehistoric times. While poppy seeds are harvested from the same plant that produces opium, the seeds contain no narcotic substances. Poppy seeds have long been a favorite ingredient in Central and Eastern European dishes as Jewish challah, Bavarian strudel and Czechoslovakian kolacky.
Buying and Storing Poppy Seeds:
Purchase dark, shiny seeds, dull looking seeds could be old and rancid. Store poppy seeds in a tightly lidded container in a cool, dry place. Alternately, they may be refrigerated up to 3 weeks or frozen up to 3 months.
Toasting or Grinding Poppy Seeds:
Sprinkle whole poppy seeds over bread or rolls before baking, toasting will release their flavor. The flavor of ground poppy seeds is even stronger and richer. To grind the seeds-place poppy seeds in a bowl and add boiling water to cover.Let seeds soak overnight. The next day, drain seeds well and place them between 2 sheets of wax paper. Crush poppy seeds with a rolling pin.
Some Uses for Poppy Seeds:
*Polish Noodles with Poppy Seeds-Scald 1 cup milk with 1 cup whole or ground poppy seeds and 1/3 cup sugar. Simmer 5 minutes. Stir mixture into 1 pound cooked egg noodles.
*Add 1/2 cup whole poppy seeds to the batter when making coffee cake.
*Poppy Seed Dressing-Combine 1 large egg, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard, 2/3 cup red wine vinegar, 3 tbsp. grated onion and 1/8 tsp. salt in a food processor. Blend well. With processor running, Gradually pour in 2 cups vegetable oil to emulsify. Stir in 3 tbsp. whole poppy seeds. Refrigerate in a tightly covered container. Stir well before serving.
By Chef Jeff for www.recipequick.com
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