Using Fresh Herbs

Not only are they easy and fun to grow, harvested herbs can make the simplest meal seem like a gourmet delight! Depending on which herbs you choose and add to your cooking, you can easily change the flavors of your recipes. Just think, every time you add a different herb you have completely changed the taste. Ah, variety is truly the spice of life!

Just a pinch …

Fresh herbs are great in breads, soups, stews or vegetables. However, if you are a beginner, remember to start by adding just a little. You can always adjust it as you go along, adding more until you have it right. Individual herbs -- in most instances -- are associated with a particular food item. For instance, basil is usually paired with tomatoes, chives with butter or cream cheese, oregano with sauces, rosemary with lamb. But just because they are usually paired with a particular food doesn’t mean that you can’t do a little experimenting on your own. Go ahead; use that imagination to create something new!

Herb oils -- whenever a recipe calls for it -- are very useful in cooking. You can also make your own herb vinegars for marinades, soups or salad dressings. Fresh herbs really make a salad dressing sparkle. Be creative, using any herb or combination of herbs that sound good to you.

The combinations are endless and the outcome delicious. Lay individual sprigs of rosemary over broiled lamb chops, or how about chopping fresh parsley and sprinkling it over the top of your potato salad. Used as garnishes, fresh herbs dress up any dish making it look truly spectacular.

Herb Butters

Another great way of making use of fresh herbs is by making your own herb butter. All you have to do is take a half of a cup of softened butter and mix in about 4 tablespoons of a fresh herb. On a piece of saran wrap, place the butter in the middle, wrapping it up to form a “log” out of the butter. Keep refrigerated. Just think, any time you need a pat of this special butter, cut it off the “log” and add to your bread, noodles, potatoes, steaks or any kind of sauce. Now doesn’t that sound delicious?

Herbal Face Mask

There are other uses for fresh herbs, however. How about creating an instant natural face mask? All you need is an avocado, basil and lemon. First of all, run a big handful of basil on high in a blender. After it’s been pulverized, throw in a half of an avocado and a large teaspoon of lemon juice, mixing until smooth. Wash your face, pat it dry and gently rub the avocado/lemon/basil mixture on. You can leave it on for as long as you like. Wash it off with warm water.
Start Planting

When you are planting your herb garden, start thinking of what you will do with all these wonderful herbs. This article just gives you a few ideas. I’m sure you can think of many more!