Bouquet in a bag

It's forgivable to be lazy in the kitchen, especially when there's a product designed to perpetuate it. Ordinarily, to make a bouquet garni for stews or soups you would cut a piece of butcher's string, wrap up herb sprigs and a bay leaf inside a piece of celery, and secure with a knot. (That is, if you can remember where you keep the string.) It's far easier, however, to grab one of Kitchen Supply's fine mesh cotton bags ($7.95 for a dozen 3-by-4-inch bags), tuck the herbs (or spices or loose tea) inside, and pull the string to close it. While the little bags are not entirely necessary, they're handy - and tidy. Available at Sur La Table, The Mall at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-244-0213, and at www.amazon.com.