Inviting Herb into Your Life

With warmer temps, the herbs are thriving.
They love lots of sun and, if you keep them
well-watered, they can take the heat.


Unlike a lot of vegetables, herb plants are
pretty and edible.

Roses in the center of one of my herb gardens.

So, if you feel you don't have room for a garden,
why not grow them in with your flowers?
A well-groomed herb will stay beautiful and green
the entire growing season.


Here in Kansas, I've found that herbs grow very well
in a mostly-sun/full-sun area that is protected in the
winter.  Thus, my best herb garden is on the south side
of my home. 


But they will need water every day
in the hot months of summer.


I always keep an eye out for recipes that use
lots of fresh herbs--fresh makes all the difference!
I'd love to publish a cookbook of herb recipes someday.

Some of my favorite uses:
Breads
Chicago-style pizza
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing (recipe below)
Soups, esp Italian
(super-easy and soo full of flavor when you replace the dried herbs
in the recipe with fresh ones--use liberally!)


Herbs need constant trimming; learn to cook with
them and this will never be a problem! 
And if you have more than you can use,
you can just dry them for next winter.

Once cilantro goes to seed, I find your might as well toss it.
Therefore, I'm careful to keep it trimmed--the above one
will be cut back today.

Always harvest herbs in the morning when their
flavors are most intense. 


I like to keep a bundle on my kitchen island
just for decor, whether I'll be needing them or not. 

Strangely, while I was writing this post, a friend
just posted on facebook this
 that new herb gardeners often make.  It's pretty
good info so you may want to check it out.

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
(this is a little runny but still very good, esp with a liberal use of dill)

¾ c mayo
½ c buttermilk
2 T finely chopped fresh parsley
1 T fresh lemon juice
½ t dry mustard
¼ t dried dill
¼ t salt
1/4 t cracked black pepper

Combine mayo and buttermilk with whisk till well-blended.
Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and chill for at least several hours
or overnight. Store in refrigerator up to 5 days.

 
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Comments

Katy Cameron said…
Ahh, herbs are one thing I can actually grow on my windowsill, I just need to remember to water them!
annemarie said…
I have always wanted to grow herbs - you are inspiring me.
Denise said…
But if you leave your cilantro go the seeds are coriander... something to think about if you like Mexican or Indian foods...I want to try some just to see if I can get coriander although hubby loves cilantro, me eh so-so ;)
Hi Cheree, I liked this so much, I featured it on my blog today.
Unknown said…
I love to grow and use herbs too. Thanks for sharing the recipes!!


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