FLAVORED OILS

Steps:

• Split open 6 to 8 dried or fresh chiles. Pack into a dry, sterilized 16- to 20-ounce jar or bottle (see p. 152), along with 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns. Heat 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of olive or canola oil to about 104°F and pour over the chiles. Cover and leave to infuse for 14 days-a little more for a stronger oil. Strain and rebottle.
• In a dry frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon each of coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds together with a couple of dried chiles. Toast until they release their distinctive fragrances and just start to brown-shake the pan frequently to prevent them from burning. Crush the toasted seeds, then transfer them to a dry, sterilized 16- to 20-ounce jar or bottle (see p. 152). Pour in 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Store for a couple of weeks before straining the oil and rebottling.
• Lightly pack a dry, sterilized 20-ounce jar (see p. 152) with freshly gathered herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, or oregano. You can use individual herbs on their own or mix a few together. Pour in 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of olive oil and store in a cool place for a couple of weeks before straining and rebottling the oil.