Another Reason to Love Herbs

Many Herbs bear beautiful blooms and using these in spring and summer flower arrangements takes little effort. Some herbs that can be grown and cut to put in arrangements are dill, rosemary, basil, oregano, and pineapple sage. Not only do they look sweet but they smell wonderful also. In addition try some of the mint family. Spearmint has a wonderful little little pink/lavender flower. Spring will be here soon in the land of Minnesota and soon we can plant our wonderful herbs outside.

Time to plant a few fun useful herbs.

Gather a few favorite pots, or splurge and buy some new ones. I like to plant at least three this time of year. Snow is melting and we have had some lovely warm weather here in Mn. Go to your favorite nursery or large retail store, to the garden section, and pick up some chives, basil, parsley, cilantro, sage, and or oregano seed packets. Fill pots with a good grade potting soil, enough to fill pots except for about one inch at the top. Sprinkle seed evenly around soil,  cover with one-quarter inch dirt, pat in place and sprinkle with water.
In no time your herbs will sprout and grow. Keep them inside for use and transplant them outside when weather is no longer under threat of freezing or just set them in a nice sunny spot right in the pots you have planted them in. 
You can have pots of herbs inside any time of year. Happy Planting !!!

After a few months off..I'M BACK

Since retiring from my full time position with Hollister Inc. I really feel that the time moves at least twice as fast. I know in my head that cannot happen but in my heart everything feels like it moves faster and the days fly by. I have accomplished getting my website updated and hope to market products beyond my friends and family soon. That audience however is so much fun and keeps me occupied as I am always meeting new and interesting people with an interest in natural herbal products. I have stated before and must state it again I feel like herbs are a little bit of heaven on earth and that there is an herb for nearly...no every ailment out there. I know some would debate that issue and that is alright am always up for a spirited conversation. Herbs in there natural, dried, or essential oil state have so many exciting uses.
Two helpful little hints this winter for those of you that endure, because we love it so much, the dry cold weather. Use and stick to Bath Oils for your winter baths which keep skin more moist and is not so drying. Remember to put moisturizer on when your skin is still damp..always do this to maintain soft skin.

A tasty sandwich

Use your leaves of basil and cilantro to make a tasty sandwich.
Chop basil and cilantro
Broil bread drizzled with olive oil till lightly browned
Add sliced tomatoes, chopped herbs to cover side of bread not broiled
Sprinkle with shredded cheese of your choice
broil again till lightly browned...You can vary this many ways, make up your own ideas and ingredient combinations.
Enhance your day using herbs !!
LaDonna

Herb Butters and Oils

Herbs mixed in butter can be spread on bread, vegetables, meats, and sauces.
Just chop up four to six tablespoons of herbs, your choice (basil,chives, dill, parsley, cilantro, thyme or sage) Blend herbs into butter (yes I have been known to use margarine) with a fork. Place butter onto wax paper and roll up. Refrigerate twenty-four hours. Slice the roll into pieces or shave into curls for serving, or just add to the dish you are making.
One of my favorite italian restaurants serves olive oil with sprigs of rosemary in it to compliment their french bread. It tastes wonderful and is easy to duplicate. Get one of those pretty oil bottles with spouts from Pier One, or any store you know that carries these, add fresh sprigs of rosemary and pour olive oil into bottle. Let set at least overnight. Pour onto pretty plate and dip your warm french bread in it. At the restaurant they also suggest adding ground pepper and parmesan cheese before dipping.
Happy Herbing !!

Dill: has wonderful cool, fresh taste and aids digestion !

Finally the snow is melting and it looks like eventually spring will come to Minnesota. We had over six feet of snow this winter..unbelievable..this too shall pass!! In the mean time the simple act of sprinkling dill weed on my salads and on other food items such as salmon, rice, or green beans gives me that fresh taste that reminds me of spring and growing fresh herbs. I love dill weed on salads and in the summer when I have fresh dill I pinch off sprigs of the fresh and shred it over my salads. For now even the dried dill weed from the store tastes fresh and cool. Sprinkle liberally. Also just an FYI Dill aids in digestion to ease gas, bloat and heartburn. ( it is the limonene in the dill that helps with the digestion) who knew !!

Herbal Vinegar Bath

This slightly acidic bath helps rinse away soap residue on your skin and reinstate your own natural acidic balance. The combination of herbs gives your bath an uplifting scent and helps reduce stress. Who doesn't need that?
Use one tablespoon each dried rosemary, tarragon, mint, and fennel. Use only mint if you like, use whatever dried herbs you have dried from your garden.
Mix together herbs with one cup apple cider vinegar. Microwave or heat on stove to just boiling. Let cool, strain off herbs, pour into bath and soak your body!
Apple cider vinegar is awesome, it is a natural antibacterial and for women helps to counteract yeast infections because the acidic enviroment helps to kill harmful bacteria. We here in Mn. have a record 65" of snow a hot bath sounds great !!