A bouquet garni is a classic French combination of herbs and black peppercorns used to flavor soup, stocks and stews.  Traditional recips call for wroappin the h erbs in cheesecloth for easy removal before serving.  A coffee filter can be substituted for the cheesecloth.

Place bay leaf, thyme, fresh parsley and peppercorns into the cheesecloth or filter and tie it closed tightly with clean string before adding it to the pot.