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Tarragon
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If the king of herbs is basil, then I would like to nominate tarragon as the queen. It's a sophisticated herb, highly prized in French cooking and an essential ingredient in their famous Béarnaise sauce.
It goes well in veal and poultry dishes and is often included in mixed herb dishes. It is, however, a strongly flavoured herb, so always be sparing with it. A sprig or two preserved in some white wine vinegar will help to give a subtle flavour of tarragon to salad dressings all through the winter.
You can only grow it from cuttings, and if you buy a plant (one will be enough) do make sure the label says it's French tarragon. There is a Russian variety which grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m) high, but has nowhere near the flavour of the French. Dried tarragon is useful – if you steep it in warm water for a minute or two before using.
Serves 6 as a starterBaked Salmon and Sorrel Creams
These lovely, light creams are best made in early summer when sorrel is in season - or grown your own if you prefer. Sorrel adds a lemony lightness to recipes and goes really well with salmon but if you can't find it, use spinach instead.
Serves 4Chicken with Lemon Sauce
Chicken with a creamy lemon sauce used to be a very popular dish and definitely deserves a revival, as it's an easy way to jazz up a simple roast chicken.
Serves 2 as main course or 4 as a starterFillets of Sole Véronique
Often made with chicken, Delia believes this delicate recipe deserves a revival… and who could argue with that? A wonderful combination of cream, grapes and vermouth, it perfectly complements fish or chicken.
Serves 6Simon Hopkinson's Creamed Turkey and Ham Soup with Tarragon
Making a stock from the turkey allows you to then treat yourself to this warming, satisfying soup - the ultimate in comfort food, with cream, rice and vegetables added to the turkey and ham.
Serves 4Pot-roasted Chicken Veronique
Perfect for a lazy summer lunch, this one-pot dish simply bubbles away on the hob for a couple of hours while you find more relaxing things to do with your time, such as putting your feet up and enjoying a glass of chilled wine!
