Category Archives: Herb Butter

Easy Roasted Garlic & Garlic Infused Olive Oil! Check out these 2 methods

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“Food, to me, is always about cooking and eating with those you love and care for.” – David Chang

This is one of our new favorites! After Dave & I experienced this at a wonderful restaurant, Mint 29 in Dearborn Michigan, we were hooked. This is so easy to do, I just had to share it with you… along with a bonus on how to make your own garlic infused olive oil.

Today I’ll show you how to roast a whole bulb, as well as cloves in olive oil to produce your own infused oil. So easy & so yum!

Watch my YouTube Video to watch me demonstrate!

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Our Favorite Recipes

Ingredients: Yields 1 roasted bulb AND ½ cup infused oil with ½ cup roasted cloves

See ingredients & step by step below for both recipes!

Watch as I show you the finished product! Watch below at my YouTube channel on how to!

Roasted Bulb~ You will need:

1 whole bulb of garlic
1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp pink Himalayan salt
Parchment paper

Carefully cut the top of the bulb off, about ½ inch until you see the cloves.

Place on parchment paper and drizzle the olive oil over the visible clove; sprinkle with the salt.

Fold parchment paper around the bulb, and tuck underneath.

Place in a preheated 250 degree oven and bake for 2 to 3 hours depending on the size of the bulb.

To store: Place the bulb in a plastic container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Infused Olive Oil & Roasted Garlic Cloves~ You will need:

Pre Peeled & packaged garlic cloves, about 4 of the bags. This is equivalent to about 4 bulbs of garlic

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp pink Himalayan salt

In a small baking dish, place the garlic cloves in a single layer; pour olive oil over top of them ensuring they are fully covered. Add more oil if needed.

Sprinkle with salt and bake in a preheated 250 degree oven for 2 to 3 hours or until mashable.

To store: Place infused olive oil in a container with lid and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Place cloves in a plastic container with a lid and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Baste meats or veggies with your olive oil and serve cloves with steak or chicken or add to any vegetable dish!

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Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in either a spiral bound soft cover OR NEW, a Downloadable PDF version. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a happy day,
Jean


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Gardening 101 Day 17 Container Gardening Part 1: How to create beautiful container gardens with herbs, how-to grow & care for them PLUS BONUS Recipes!

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“The lesson I have thoroughly learnt, and wish to pass on to others, is to know the enduring happiness that the love of a garden gives. ” Gertrude Jekyll

As all of you know I love raised bed gardening, and with that comes a bit of container gardening as well. I primarily use containers in my raised beds for more aggressive perennial herbs that have a tendency to go rogue if allowed. Such herbs include oregano, thyme, chives, and all the mints to name a few. Of course regular harvesting and not allowing the plants to go to seed help, but their root systems still want to expand their horizons!

By planting them in  your raised beds, this allows you to remove them and divide as necessary and then simply replace the pot in its allotted spot. The reason I plant the pot in the garden is to protect the roots from winter’s harsh cold here in Michigan. I also use a thick layer of mulch around them for extra protection. I generally mulch with grass clippings, old straw and even leaves.

I’m going to break this topic of container gardening into two parts, the first on herbs & then the following on veggies.

Creating a planter with herbs is an excellent way to bring the beauty and flavor of nature into your home. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned plant enthusiast, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to create and maintain a beautiful herb container garden.

Be sure to read on for some BONUS recipes to make with all your herbs!

Best Containers to Use

When it comes to selecting the best container for your herb garden, there are a few things to consider. The size and shape of the container will depend on the type of herbs you plan to grow, as well as the available space in your home. I have used all of these with great success. Have you used anything different? Let me know in the comments section below… I love your feedback!

Terra Cotta or Ceramic Pots

Terracotta and ceramic pots are a classic choice for herb gardens! They both come in so many fun and whimsical shapes and sizes. Terracotta pots are porous and allow air and moisture to pass through, which is beneficial for the plants. Both terracotta and ceramic provide good drainage, which helps prevent waterlogging. The downside of both however is that they can be fragile and easily break if dropped. Proper winter storage, if not brought indoors, should be done to ensure minimal breakage. Store pots upside down so if moisture does get in, they don’t crack when any ice thaws.

Window or Railing Boxes

Window or railing boxes are another great option for growing herbs. They are typically made from wood or plastic and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. If you are in an apartment or condo, window boxes are a perfect option! Even if you have a garden you can keep these on your deck or patio railing for easy access when cooking or grilling! They can easily be hung on the side of a window or railing for easy access, and you can have several growing different herbs! The downside to window boxes is that they tend to dry out quickly, so you’ll need to water your herbs more often.

Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are another ideal choice for growing trailing herbs such as oregano and thyme. They too come in a variety of sizes and are made from materials such as wicker, plastic, and metal. The advantage of hanging baskets is that they help conserve space and can be moved around your porch, deck, or patio. They also can come indoors easily in the winter months. The downside is that they tend to dry out more quickly than other types of containers, so you’ll need to water your herbs more often.

Self-Watering Containers

Self-watering containers are a great option for busy gardeners. They provide a consistent supply of water to the plants, so you don’t have to worry about over- or under-watering them. These containers are usually made from plastic and have a built-in reservoir at the bottom. These are again a great option for the apartment or condo dweller, or to place on a deck or patio outside your kitchen for easy access. The downside is that they tend to be more expensive than other types of containers.

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Weekly tips & tricks for your garden and home!

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Raised Beds

If you have a larger outdoor space, then a raised bed is an excellent choice for growing herbs. Raised beds provide good drainage and allow for easy access to the plants. They can be made from wood, metal, or plastic, and come in a variety of sizes. The downside is that they require more maintenance than other types of containers, as they need to be regularly weeded and watered.

Galvanized Metal Tubs

I love to use old galvanized metal wash tubs, buckets, or any other cool container I can find. You can actually purchase these at feed type stores such as Tractor Supply Store or similar. I love the feel of a cottage garden and these fit perfectly with my theme. The key is to make sure there are proper drainage holes placed in the bottom. You can easily make these with a hammer and a nail or use a drill with a large enough drill bit. The downside is that they tend to dry out more quickly than other types of containers, so you’ll need to water your herbs more often.

How to Care for Your Herbs!

Once you have the right container and plants for your planter, it’s time to start caring for your herbs. Here are some tips & tricks for keeping your herbs healthy and thriving:

Watering

Herbs need plenty of water in order to grow and thrive. Water your herbs regularly, but don’t over-water them. Make sure to allow the soil to dry out between watering’s to prevent root rot.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing your herbs is a great way to keep them healthy and full of flavor. Use a liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks, or add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil once a month. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the fertilizer package.

Pruning

Pruning your herbs is essential for keeping them healthy and preventing them from becoming overgrown. Trim off any dead or diseased leaves, and cut back the plants to encourage new growth.

Controlling Pests

Pests can be a problem for any type of garden, so it’s important to take steps to keep them away from your herbs. Planting companion plants such as marigolds or chrysanthemums can help deter pests, and using insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control pest populations.

Harvesting

Harvesting your herbs is an essential part of caring for them. Harvest herbs when they are young and tender, and be sure to use sharp scissors or pruners when cutting them. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure that it continues to grow and produce.

How to Harvest the Herbs

Harvesting your herbs is the best part of having an herb planter, as you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are some tips for harvesting your herbs:

Timing

The best time to harvest herbs is in the morning, after the dew has dried and before the sun is too hot. This will ensure that the herbs are at their peak flavor and will retain their essential oils.

Tools

The best tool for harvesting herbs is a pair of sharp, clean scissors or pruners. Avoid using a knife, as it can bruise the leaves and damage the plant.

Storage

Once you’ve harvested the herbs, it’s important to store them properly to preserve their flavor and freshness. Herbs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or they can be dried and stored in an airtight container for longer periods of time.

Now lets talk herbs!

Once you’ve selected the right container for your herb garden, it’s time to decide which herbs you’d like to grow. Herbs are generally divided into two categories: annuals and perennials. Annuals are herbs that grow and bloom within a single season, while perennials are plants that come back year after year. Here are some of the best herbs to grow in a planter:

Would you like my delicious Pesto recipe that I taught on Fox TV2? Click this LINK and enjoy friends!

Basil is a popular annual herb that is easy to grow and is great for adding flavor to dishes. It’s best to start with a small pot, as it can quickly become overgrown. Basil prefers well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to position it in a spot that gets plenty of light.

Chives are a perennial herb with a mild onion flavor. They can be used fresh or dried, and are perfect for adding flavor to salads, soups, and sauces. Chives prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to position it in a spot that gets plenty of light.

Would you like some recipes for Herb Infused Olive Oils? Click this LINK!

Oregano is a perennial herb that has a strong, pungent flavor. It’s versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Oregano prefers well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to position it in a spot that gets plenty of light.

Thyme is a perennial herb with a strong, lemony flavor. It can be used fresh or dried, and is perfect for adding flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Thyme prefers well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to position it in a spot that gets plenty of light.

Rosemary is a hardy perennial herb that has a strong, earthy flavor. It can be used fresh or dried, and is perfect for adding flavor to roasted vegetables and meats. Rosemary prefers well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to position it in a spot that gets plenty of light.

Sage is a perennial herb with a strong, earthy flavor. It can be used fresh or dried, and is perfect for adding flavor to roasted vegetables and meats. Sage prefers well-drained soil and full sun, so be sure to position it in a spot that gets plenty of light.

Creating a planter with herbs is an easy and enjoyable way to bring the beauty and flavor of nature into your home. With the right container, plants, and care, your herb planter can provide you with a bounty of fresh herbs for years to come.

I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start! 

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Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean

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Slow Cooked Baby Back BBQ Ribs

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“Cooking requires confident guesswork and improvisation—experimentation and substitution, dealing with failure and uncertainty in a creative way.” – Paul Theroux

This super easy & delicious recipe is sure to be as big a hit in your home as it is in mine! The meat simply falls off the bone and melts in your mouth.

Our Favorite Recipes

Ingredients for Ribs:

2 Slabs of baby back spare ribs
Montreal Steak Spice
Your favorite BBQ sauce OR use my recipe

Versatile! You can interchange your favorite store brand or homemade BBQ sauce to whatever suits your taste buds.

Ingredients for My BBQ Sauce: This recipe can be found in my cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats on page 407.

2 c. ketchup
½ c brown sugar
¼ honey
1 TBSP minced onions
2 Cloves fresh garlic minced OR 2 tsp jarred
¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce

For some super yummy BBQ Butter Brush-On Recipes & unique grilling ideas, check out my older blog post.

A “Green” Barbeque, Vermicomposting and some Yummy Grilling Recipe’s!

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.

2. Carefully remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and discard.

The top slab in the photo has the membrane removed, the bottom photo has it on.

3. Wash meat to remove any debris; cut each slab into 2 or 3 pieces, cutting between the bones; place on a large sheet of foil wrap- enough that you will be able to wrap the slab; sprinkle both sides liberally with the steak spice; wrap so the entire piece is covered; place on a cookie sheet. Repeat the process with all pieces.

4. Place in a preheated oven for 3 to 3 ½ hours.

5. Remove from the oven and carefully take slabs out of foil; place in a baking dish side by side meat side up.

6. Turn the heat up to 350 degrees now.

As you can see the meat is super tender and is falling off the bones!

If you enjoy a more Smokey flavored BBQ sauce, you can find that recipe in my COOKBOOK on page 406.

7. While the oven is heating up, slather your BBQ sauce over the top of your ribs and spread evenly; place back in oven for 15 minutes.

Directions for BBQ Sauce- Yields 2 cups finished sauce

  1. Combine all ingredients into a large saucepan, whisk together and cook on medium heat for 30 minutes stirring occasionally. 

Nothing compares to fresh garlic!

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Serve with baked potatoes or beans… So yum!

If you enjoyed this post & thought this was a super yummy recipe leave me a comment.

…. and of course please LIKE, Follow & Share.

You can purchase my wonderful cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats & Treats!

Be sure to check out my Facebook page & follow me there for daily inspirations, lovely photos, & of course all kinds of great home & garden tips! 

Happy Day,
Jean

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More Organizational Tips: More on P.M.S, Root Cellars, Freezers and Canning Room, Yummy Bar-B-Que Brush On Butters and Canning Recipes!

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“Disorganization….. is merely the sign of a very healthy individual trying to do more in a shorter period of time than those lazy obsessively tidy types who can think of nothing better to do than  straighten objects in drawers and stuff like that which only feeds their own egos and makes them think that they are better than those of us who are truly gifted.”  Author Unknown… although it could be Neil!

Obviously this above mentioned quote is a joke… just in case you were wondering!  As many of you know from reading my blogs, I love canning! When I decided to write my cookbook, “Lovingly Seasoned Eats & Treats”, my main objective was not only to have all my favorite recipes in one book, but also to have a large canning section that wasn’t filled will all pickle recipes.  Now don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against pickles, even though I don’t much care for them… I just wanted interesting canning recipes… like Chocolate Syrup, Pesto, Marinara Sauce and stuff like that! I have a lovely canning room and Neil made us a root cellar in our basement that I am thrilled to have… and equally thrilled to fill every year!

P.M.S. is looked at in such a negative light… which I fully understand~ been there, done that kind of thing! Anyway several years back, even before I discovered Sink Reflections, my best friend and I were always looking for ways to organize and structure our homes and lives.  One day on the phone we came up with the P.M.S. Plan!  Prioritize, Minimize and Simplify our lives.  Now, my friend loves to make lists as much as I do… she is now a mother of six with bundle number seven on the way, Lord willing!  At the time of our P.M.S. she only had one child and I had three… life was a bit simplier in those days… but she is one of those ladies that likes to make really long lists and is filled with an exuberant amount of energy… she even chases ground hogs with brooms… at least back then she did.  As I am ten years older than her, her lists at times seemed unreasonable… she put too much work on her back… so was birthed our P.M.S. plan.  The motive was to help both of us look at what we wanted to accomplish in a day or week and then prioritize that list in level of importance; then look at the list and minimize it down to the most important and then simplify it down to what was really practical for our days.  After the list was P.M.S.’ed anything extra that was accomplished was just a bonus.  I have used the P.M.S. way for many things, especially when creating my routine’s.  

       


*Each spring we do an inventory of canned goods on the shelves as well as in the root cellar and freezer.  This way I know what we need to preserve that season and what I have plenty of.  I write this list in my Canning Journal… it is actually the first page to start each new season.
*After my inventory is complete I make a list of what items I need to can/freeze and the quantity I want to do. This is the second page in my journal for the current canning season. As each things get put on the can shelves, root cellar and freezer I have the sheer joy of crossing that item off my list!  A job well done!
*As mentioned above I keep a Canning Journal… of course! Every year I date the top of the first page with the year. I include the date of item canned, what was canned, the quantity and the size of the jars used.  If I purchased the ingredient, for ie. Blueberries for blueberry pie filling~ I will write down where I got the blueberries, if I picked or not, how much I paid per pound, how many pounds.  I also make notes of which children or friends helped.  I love making memories in my journals! 
*During the canning season, we often have to move jars and reorganize if there is not enough room left for a particular item.  I always keep similar items together. This makes it much easier for the children when I ask them to go and fetch me something.  For example, I keep all my tomato based products together; Spaghetti and Marinara sauces, Bar-B-Que sauces, ketchup, salsa, pizza sauce and V-8 Juice. The only exception to the rule here is Tomato soup~ that goes with the soups I can. I can apple, peach, blueberry and cherry pie fillings… these all stay together; Fruits, juices, jams and condiments are beside each other; potatoes, carrots, beans, beets are together as veggies; meats are right beside the veggies, then broth and soups, and so on.
*I follow the same rule for the root cellar and freezers.  I have several freezers: two hold frozen veggies and fruit, any freezer jams, and two hold meat items.  I try to keep all beef, pork, venison and chicken together… again this makes it easier for the children.
*Each spring the freezers need to be cleaned out and purged.  It never fails that things always seem to fall to the bottom and then the question, “where did that come from?” is asked.  Be sure to always date and itemize all items put into the freezer~ this way there is no question as to what & when! 
*The root cellar needs to be kept clean and organized through the winter.  Unlike the jars and freezers, the items in the root cellar will spoil much more quickly. Certain items should not be strored togethe such as apples and onions or potatoes.  My main goal is to always use the items that are ripening or not holding so well first and to be sure to purge and spoiled items. The old saying of one rotten apple will spoil the whole basket is true! 
  A great resource for root cellars is “Root Cellaring” by, Mike and Nancy Bubel, published by Storey Publishing, www.storey.com  I will be going into a lot more on root cellaring this fall when the crops come in, so stay tuned!

         

‘Tis Grilling Season… here are some BBQ Brush On Butter Recipes along with a few more canning ones from my cookbook! Enjoy friends!

To 1 stick of salted softened butter add one of the following and mix thouroughly.  Let set in fridge for at least 3 hours so flavors blend through! NOTE: The herbs are all dried. 

Cajun Style Poultry Brush On!
1/2 tsp. oregano, crushed
1/8 tsp. thyme, crushed
1/4 tsp. cumin, ground
dash of red pepper
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Lemon Basil Fish or Veggie Brush On!
1/2 tsp. lemon peel, finely shredded
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. lime juice
1/4 tsp. basil, crushed
1/4 tsp. sea salt

Parmesan Butter Brush On!~ great to brush on veggies or even use in pasta or spread onto bread to make garlic toast!
1 Tbsp. fresh parmesan cheese, grated
1 small clove garlic, minced
2 tsp. parsley, crushed
1/4 tsp. sea salt

Garlic Butter Brush On~ great to brush on veggies or to make garlic toast
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp. sea salt

Chive~Tarragon Brush On~ great on red meat and veggies!
2 Tbsp. chives, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. dried tarragon, crushed
2 Tbsp. parsley, snipped

Canning Recipes taken from, “Lovingly Seasoned Eats & Treats”. We all love condiments but don’t know how to make them!  Here are two great condiments that most people enjoy!

            Chocolate Syrup, by Jean Smith
1 cup Dutch cocoa powder
3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cup hot water
1 Tbsp. vanilla

SPECIAL NOTE: These measurements are to make 1 quart.  Adjust measurements for how many pints or quarts you want to make.
1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl; pour 1 cup hot water into pot and add dry ingredients until thouroughly mixed; add remaining water; mix thouroughly until smooth.
2. Bring mixture to a boil; boil for 2 to 4 minutes, until sugar is dissovved, stirring constantly.
3. Revove from heat; add vanilla.
4. Fill pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space.
5. How water bath for 15 minutes.
NOTE: This foams up a lot while boiling. Stirring is crucial. You can take the pot off heat to let it go down a bit, always stirring, if it seems like it is going to overflow.

Ketchup
2 galons tomato juice
7 Tbsp. salt
2 small onions
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves, ground
3 cups white vinegar
4 cups sugar
1 1/2 cup Permaflo (thickener)

1. Put 1 1/2 cups tomato juice and  peeled and quartered onions in blender; run blender until onions are well blended; pour into learge kettle with remaining juice; cook until juice boils down 1/3.
2. Add vinegar and boil again; bring to a gentle, rolling boil.
3. In a bowl combine remaining ingredients and blend thouroughly; very slowly stir the spice mixture into boiling liquid- if you dump it in, it will clump!
4. Boil for 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally so it does not stick.
5. Put boiling mixture into jars, placing lid and ring on each jar as you fill it.
6. Water bath for 15 minutes for pints, 25 minutes for quarts.

Happy Day,
Jean
www.fordragonfliesandme.blogspot.com
www.wreninthewillow.blogspot.com
www.farmgirlwisdom.blogspot.com

         

A Companionate Herbal for the Organic Garden, Herbal Therapeutic Concoctions & Yummy Herb Butters Recipe’s!

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Summer is here and we are in full swing! I am finding it harder and harder to get to this blog with all the responsibilities I have around on the farm.  I am constantly thinking of things to write about and share, but finding the ‘thyme’, or should I say making the ‘thyme’ is just taking more effort than I would actually like.  But here I am and of course I love being here.  Lets talk more on herbs shall we? I just can’t seem to get enough of herbs, they are so versatile and useful in so many areas in life… the kitchen, bouquet and right into the personal care line! I love to go out to the gardens and pick them… as I brush against their leaves they just welcome me there with their lovely aroma’s telling me to pick & enjoy!  I have often touched on companion planting and I recently came across a great list that I thought I would like to share with all of you. Today I am going to focus a bit on the personal care end with of course a few yummy recipes for Herb Butters! Thanks for coming… see you again soon!

A Companionate Herbal for the Organic Garden~  This list was adapted from The Rodale Herb Book; How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants; published by Rodale Press, Inc. 1974, pg.s 268-269.

HERB:                          COMPANIONS AND EFFECTS:
Basil                             *Companion to tomatoes; Improves growth and flavor; repels flies and mosquitoes.
Bee Balm                       *Companion to tomatoes; improves growth and flavor
Borage                           *Companion to tomatoes, squash and strawberries; deters tomato worm; improves flavor &
                                      growth.
Caraway                         *Plant here and there; loosens soil.
Camomile                       *Companion to radishes; improves growth & flavor.
Chervil                           *Companion to cabbages & onions; improves growth & flavor.
Chives                            *Companion to carrots; improves growth & flavor.
Dill                                *Companion to cabbage, improves growth & flavor; dislikes carrots  
Fennel                            *Plant away from gardens.  Most plants dislike it.
Garlic                             *Plant near roses and raspberries, improves growth & health; deters Japanese beetle
Horseradish                     *Plant at corners of potato patch to deter potato bug.
Hyssop                            *Deters cabbage moth; companion to cabbage & grapes; Keep away from radishes.
Lovage                            *Improves flavor and health of plants if planted here and there.
Marigold                         *The workhorse of the pest deterrents.  Plant throughout the garden: discourages                                             Mexican bean beetles, nematodes, and other insects.      
Mint                               *companion to cabbage & tomatoes; improves health & flavor; deters white cabbage moth.
Marjoram                        *Here and there in gard3en; improves flavors.
Nasturtium                     *Companion to radishes, cabbage & curcurbits; plant under fruit trees.  Deters aphids,
                                       squash bugs, striped pumpkin beetles.  Improves growth and flavor.    
Pot Marigold                   *companion to tomatoes, but plant elsewhere in garden too.  Deters asparagus beetle,
                                        tomato worm and general garden pests.       
Peppermint                      *Planted among cabbages, it repels the white cabbage butterfly.
Rosemary                       *Companion to cabbage, bean, carrots & sage; deters cabbage moth, bean beetles & carrot fly
Rue                                *Keep it far away from sweet basil; plant near roses and raspberries; deters Japanese beetle.
Sage                              *Plant with rosemary, cabbage & carrots; keep away from cucumbers; deters cabbage moth
                                       & carrot fly.
Summer Savory              *Plant with beans and onions; improves growth and flavor; deters bean beetles.
Tansy                             *Plant under fruit trees; companion to roses & raspberries; deters flying insects,
                                        Japanese beetle, striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs and ants.       
Tarragon                         *Good throughout the garden.
Thyme                            *Here and there in garden. It deters cabbage worm.

Of course as usual this is only a small amount of information in a world of endless info!  These are the most commonly used herbs in the kitchen, but doesn’t even touch on medicinal ones.                 

 Aromatic herbal baths are one of the most pleasurable ways to cleanse your skin and revitalize your whole body after a hard day at work.  You can add particular herbs to promote relaxation or stimulation.  Therapeutic preparations can be made at home from essential oils and herbal infusions quite easily.  In an earlier blog I gave you the how-to’s on Oils and Vinegars for cooking, here are some personal care recipes!  Enjoy!

Antiseptic Wash~ Among oils with antiseptic action are thyme, lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus.  Add 8 drips of one of these to a small bowl of water and apply to minor wounds.

Foot Bath~ You will need: Fresh leaves of bay, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon balm, thyme, marjoram, spearmint.
*Sprinkle 1-2 handfuls of herbs into a large bowl.
*Add 2 tsp. of salt and enough hot water to cover the feet and ankles.
*Soak feet for at least 10- 12 minutes while breathing in the delicious aroma’s!

Hand Cream~ You will need: 1 cup rose water, 1/4 cup glycerin, 1/4 cup cornstarch and 3 drops chamomile oil.
*Blend rosewater, cornstarch and glycerin.
*Heat gently in a double boiler to thicken, then cool for about 15- 20 minutes.
*Stir in oil.
*Store in screw top jar for up to 3 months.  

Lavender Spritz~ For a classic skin freshener, fill an spritzer bottle with distilled water and add a couple drops of lavender essential oil.  Shake to blend and before each use.

Lip Balm~ You will need: Oil of eucalyptus, lemon, thyme, jasmine, lavender, geranium, juniper, OR  peppermint.
*Add 2 drops of one of the oil’s listed above to 1 tbsp. of warmed cocoa butter.  Put in a small jar and let it cool. 

Stretch Marks Massage Oil~ You will need:  5 drops of EACH~ lavender oil and neroli oil, 6 drops frankincense and 1/4 cup almond oil.
*Add oils to a small stoppered jar and shake to blend.  Massage gently into the skin to firm it up and to combat stretch marks.

Rosewater Toner~ You will need: 2/3 cup rosewater, 2/3 cup witch hazel and 6 drop glycerin.
*Pour all the ingredients into a bottle and shake will before each use.
                         

Herb butters add a lovely finishing touch to cooked veggies, fist or chicken and are so easy to make!  All you need to do is beat your favorite fresh or dried herb9s0 into some softened butter, cover with some plastic wrap and chill until you’re ready to serve it up!
Here are some yummy Herb Butter Recipes to try this year!

Lemon & Fennel Butter ~ the flavor of fennel goes very well with fish or grilled corn on the cob!
1 Stick salted butter, softened
2 tbsp. chopped fennel fronds
zest of half lemon, grated
1/8 tsp. pepper
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until thoroughly blended; pat into a roll about the size of a tangerine, cover with plastic wrap and chill.  When ready to serve, cut into chunks~ very cute!

Cilantro & Scallion Butter ~ Use this on some new potatoes and enjoy the sweet savor of scallions blended with the pungency of cilantro!
1 Stick salted butter, softened
2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro or 1 1/2 tsp. dried
1 scallion (green onion) finely chopped.
Follow prep method above.

Chive Pepper Butter ~ So yummy on grilled chicken or roasted cod fillets!
1 stick salted butter, softened
2 tbsp. chopped fresh chives or 1 1/2 tsp. dried
1 tbsp. mixed peppercorns, lighted crushed
Follow prep method above.

Happy Day,
Jean