Lets Talk Herbs!

[cat lover]

Do you like to use fresh herbs or would you rather use the dried type? I really like using fresh herbs, but once winter gets here it is more difficult to maintain fresh ones. How do you maintain them for winter use?

[ajrsmom]

I love eating fresh Basil, Moz. cheese and olive oil! That is one of my favorite uses for fresh herbs.

I mostly use dried herbs because of the prices. I've been thinking of trying my hand at container gardening just for herbs. I have such a brown thumb though, I'm not sure that anything would grow if I would touch it. lol!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I have rarely ever used fresh herbs because they look so bad at the store. I wish I lived in a larger city so that I could get fresh meats, herbs, and veggies. The dried herbs are pretty good. My faves are oregano, chili powder, and basil. We can get some pretty good and fresh chili powder here in NM, expecially in the mountains.

[cat lover]

I like to put a stawberry jar in the kitchen window in the winter and grow a few things. We use a lot of parsley; that is one and chives that are fairly easy to grow.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I guess I don't have the climate and more importantly, the patience, to grow herbs. DH has the patience, but not the climate and earth to grow them.

[ajrsmom]

I like to put a stawberry jar in the kitchen window in the winter and grow a few things. We use a lot of parsley; that is one and chives that are fairly easy to grow.


I never thought of trying that! Are they hard to grow? I've been thinking of planting some dwarf sunflowers along our back deck so my kids can watch them grow.

[cat lover]

They aren't hard to grow at all, as long as you don't let the dirt dry out. On the back of your seed packet it will tell how long they take to sprout. But...you may still be ablr to get some herb plants at this time of year! Sunflowers are great and you can toast the seeds and eat them!

[cat lover]

Here is some additional information on growing fresh herbs indoors


Indoor plants will need essentially the same conditions as herbs grown outdoors -- sunlight and a well-drained soil mix that is not too rich.

Select a south or west window. Different herbs have different light requirements, but most need a sunny location; in winter, "grow lamps" or fluorescent lamps are helpful in supplementing light.

When planting, mix two parts sterilized potting soil and one part coarse sand or perlite. To ensure sweetness of the soil, add a cut of ground limestone per bushel of soil -- or 1 teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot. There should be an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure good drainage.

Consider the water needs of each herb. Growing plants need more water as do plants in clay pots or hanging baskets. Misting and grouping the plants on a tray of moistened pebbles will help keep them in a humid condition. Don't drench herbs -- avoid getting herb roots soggy.

Annual herbs can spend their full life cycle in a pot indoors. Perennial herbs, however, will do better if you place them outdoors during the summer. Plunge the pot in soil up to its rim, or keep it in a protected location on the porch or patio.

Herb plants need sun during the summer months. To prevent the loss of foliage and avoid plant damage, bring herbs indoors before frost. A light frost is helpful on mint, chives, and tarragon; it tends to induce a rest period and make the resulting new growth firm and fresh.

You can maintain an indoor herb garden indefinitely by periodic light feeding, yearly repotting, renewing annuals, seasonal moves outdoors for perennials, and occasional pruning. Water plants as needed. Use several planters or a divided one to allow for different moisture needs of plants.

[cat lover]

How about some recipes using herbs? Here's one using tarragon!

No-Knead Tarragon Rolls

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 pkg. (1/4 oz) active dry yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp dried parsley flakes
1 tbsp minced fresh tarragon OR 1 tsp dried tarragon
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup warm water (120 -130 degrees)
2 tbsp vegetable oil

In a bowl combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, parsley, tarragon, celery seed and salt. Add water, egg and oil, beat on low speed about 30 seconds, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat on high speed 1 minute. Stir in remaining flour. Do not knead. Cover and let rise in a warm place till doubled, about 30 minutes. Stir dough and spoon into greased muffin cups. Cover and let rise in a warm palce till doubled, about 20-30 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 -18 minutes or till golden. Cool on wire racks. Makes 1 dozen

[cat lover]

Here's one easy for using parsley!

1 pkg. ( 1 lb) spaghetti
3 cups packed fresh parsley sprigs
1 cup blanched almonds
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 cups grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup margarine,melted
salt & pepper to taste

Cook spaghetti according to pkg. directions. Place parsley, almonds and garlic in food processor; cover and process till finely chopped. Transfer to a large serving platter and stir in cheese and margarine. Drain spaghetti and add to pesto along with salt and pepper, toss to coat. 10 servings

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I thought I would share this about parsley. I've recently finely dicing it into my dog's food. Jet-Bo is 13 and getting old. After I moved to Cruces, we discovered that his heart if enlarged and pressing against his sternum, fluid around the heart, bladder stones, and failing kidneys. There isn't much we can do for the kidneys except diet. The meds he takes for his heart and the fluid arund it hurts the kidneys. I discoverd that parlsley helps detoxify the body and aid the kidneys. So, I have been chopping that up into his food. Both my boys eat it just fine and they are very picky.

[cat lover]

That is an interesting fact! I eat parsley all the time; didn't realize it was that good for you! Thanks for sharing.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

No problem.

[rhi]

I love herbs!! I actually grow mine in containers because they are easier to maintain. They aren't to hard to grow, my theory is if I can grow them anyone can!

Sometimes depending on how harsh the winter is here they've died on me and I thought I lost them but they came back.

My favorite things to add fresh herbs to are....soups, salads and roasted meats!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Rhi, you gotta know my reputation as a serial plant killer. LOL I haven't had my DH grow herbs for me yet, but it would be worth a try. He grows everything else.

[rhi]

It's really easy, I swear on my basil! LOL!!! Just water, sun and a good fertilizer and your good to go. I do use dried herbs when I can't get fresh. But I buy mine at the health food store because it's cheaper to buy it that way than in the little jars.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Rhi, can herbs be grown outdoors or does there have to be a certain climate?

[rhi]

I've done them indoors before, the plants aren't as nice, but i just put them in a window that gets good sun. As for the climate, I've lived here for 20 years and they have been fine throught out our weird weathers. I did just start gardening them about 4 years ago. My grandma lives in hawaii and they grow for her really well, but it's hawaii! LOL!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Thank you!

[cat lover]

Herbed Bubble Bread

1/4 cup margarine,melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 pkg. (16 oz) frozen dinner roll dough, thawed

In a small bowl combine margarine amd all the herbs. Cut each roll in half and dip into margarine mixture. Arrange in a greased 12 cup bundt pan. Pour remaining mixture over the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or till doubled. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Makes 12 servings

[cat lover]

Herb Cheese Sauce for Vegetables

This is especially good on cauliflower ot broccoli!

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp evaporated milk
3/4 tsp ground mustard
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
1/8 tsp curry powder

In a small pan combine all igredients and cook and stir till cheese is melted. Be sure and use a low heat. Serve warm over the vegetables you choose. Makes about 1 1/2 cups sauce

[Yummys_Girl]

I use dried herbs. I have never been good at growing things. I think my thumbs are brown, not green

[cat lover]

I bet you would be surprised at yourself! Parsley and chives are a couple of good starters for growing. The hardest part I believe is when youare waiting to see them sprout through the dirt. Just give them good light and keep the soil damp and I bet you could grow these and then you could try others. This is a good time of year because you could do it all outside in a pot that you could bring in for the winter if you choose!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Yummy, I am the very same way. After many years of trying to grow various things and attempting to get various house plants alive, DH told me to give it up as I was just a serial plant killer! LOL So, I let him grow everything and I eat everything.

[cat lover]

This is really good on roast beef sandwiches!

Homemade Horseradish Sauce

6 tbsp white vinegar
8 tsp water
2 tbsp sugar
1 samll jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped
1/8 tsp white pepper
1 cup finely shredded horseradish root

In a bowl combine the first five ingredeitns and mix well. Stir in the horseradish and cover and refrigerate overnight before serving. Makes 1 cup

[cat lover]

Here's a good herb mix for using on your meats when you grill

Grilling Herb Mix


2 tsp each dried basil, oregano and rosemary, crushed
1 tsp rubbed sage
1 tsp dried mint
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp pepper



In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Makes 8 teaspoons.

[cat lover]

Herb Farms


Does anyone have the luck of having an Herb Farm near them? I would love to be able to go purchase fresh herbs I don't grow from one, do you?

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I sure don't.

[cat lover]

Green Beans with Almonds & Basil

1 lb. fresh green beans 3
3 tbsp. slivered blanched almonds
3 tbsp. butter, melted
1 tsp minced fresh Basil
1 1/2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley

Wash beans and remove strings. Cover and cook in a small amount of boiling water l0-12 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain well. Saute almonds in butter in a small skillet until lightly browned. Stir in fresh parsley and basil. Pour over green beans,and toss gently. 4 servings.

[cat lover]

Tofu with Tomatoes and Coriander



1 pound tomatoes
4 squares fresh tofu (about 1 pound)
1 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped scallions
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp soy sauce
freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves



Cut the tomatoes and tofu into 1" squares and set aside in separate bowls. Discard any water that drains from the tofu as it stands. Heat a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan. Toss in the garlic and scallions and stir-fry briefly, until the garlic starts to change color. Add the tomatoes and stir-fry until softened, about 1 minute. Add the tofu, salt, sugar and soy sauce. Stir to blend, bring to a boil and cook, stirring briefly once, for 30 seconds. Turn out into a shallow serving bowl, top with pepper and coriander, and serve hot.


Serving Size: about 1 cup

[rhi]

Herb Farms


Does anyone have the luck of having an Herb Farm near them? I would love to be able to go purchase fresh herbs I don't grow from one, do you?

I usually get my specialty plants from our local nursery that has a really good variety. Other than that...I'm not lucky enough to live near an herb farm.

[cat lover]

rhi, what type of herbs do you usually buy? Are you planting them in pots and having them all year or do you plant them in the ground and start over each growing season?

[rhi]

I've currently got 4 different types of basils (basil is my favorite), thyme, mint and a little bit of parsley. I had some lemon grass, chives, cilantro and I another one I can't remember but they for some reason didn't do as good as the others. I grow them in containers, I find it easier and then I can move them in the house if it gets to cold. But usually if they don't survive I buy more and I've started some of them by seed and if they take that way first then I just do it that way, if they for some reason don't I go and buy the plant. For some reason this year my herbs haven't done that well I think it's the weather but it could just be me!

[cat lover]

I love to have my own herbs! Sounds like you do quite a few of them. Do you use most of them in your recipes? Would love for you to share some of your tried and true recipes with us using them!

[cat lover]

Lemon Basil Salsa

2 pounds ripe, firm tomatoes
1 large sweet onion
2 cloves garlic
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded
1 cup packed basil leaves
juice of 2 lemons
salt and freshly ground black pepper


Finely chop the tomatoes, onion, garlic, peppers and
1/2 of the basil. Toss in a bowl with the lemon juice,
the other half of the basil leaves (chop first). Season
with the salt and pepper. Chill and serve.

Potatoes with Basil

1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled
1/4 cup olive oil
1 small onion, very thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tbsp fresh, chopped basil
Freshly ground Parmesan Cheese

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees . Cut the potatoesinto 2 inch pieces. In a baking pan, combine onions, oil, garlic and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Bake about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes have browned and became tender. Add the tomatoes, and bake for 10 more minutes. Stir in the fresh basil and top with cheese. Serve.