Five Tips for Easy Use of Herbs, even if you don't grow them!

I would like to share some valuable tips on the easy use of herbs in your home. Whether you grow and harvest herbs from your own garden, or just pick them up from the Farmer's Market or grocery. Here are five tips for utilizing herbs in your home:

1. Stock your Pantry with Dried Herbs:
   Dried herbs are a convenient and long-lasting option for enhancing the flavors of your dishes. They are readily available and can be stored in your pantry for extended periods. To use dried herbs, simply crush them between your fingertips before adding them to your recipes. Remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
   
   
   
2. Create Custom Herb Blends:
   Experiment with creating your own herb blends to suit your taste preferences. By combining different herbs and spices, you can craft unique flavor profiles that enhance your dishes. Start with simple combinations, such as Italian herb blends or Mediterranean-inspired mixes, and gradually expand your repertoire. Store your custom blends in airtight containers for easy access. Check out the Herb Blending Rules in this original article.
   
   
   
3. Utilize Herb Infused Vinegars:
   Infusing oils and vinegars with herbs is an excellent way to add subtle, yet distinctive flavors to your dishes. Simply place fresh herbs in a clean jar, cover them with your preferred vinegar, and let them infuse for a few weeks. Strain out the herbs, and you'll have a deliciously flavored vinegar ready to drizzle over salads, roasted vegetables, or even use in marinades.
4. 
   Freeze Herb Ice Cubes:
   
   Preserve the flavors of fresh herbs by freezing them in ice cube trays. Chop the herbs and place them in each compartment of an ice cube tray, then fill them with water or olive oil. Once frozen, transfer the herb cubes to a freezer bag for easy access. Use these cubes directly in soups, stews, sauces, or sautés to infuse your dishes with the vibrant taste of fresh herbs.
5. Experiment with Herb Butter:            Herb-infused butter adds a luxurious touch to dishes and can be used in a variety of ways. Prepare herb butter by blending finely chopped herbs with softened butter, then roll it into a log using parchment paper. Refrigerate or freeze the log until firm. Slice off rounds of herb butter to melt over grilled meats, spread on bread or vegetables, or even toss with pasta for an instant burst of flavor.

By following these tips, you can effortlessly incorporate herbs into your home cooking routine. Whether you're using dried herbs, creating custom blends, infusing vinegars, freezing herb ice cubes, or experimenting with herb butter, these techniques will elevate the taste and aroma of your dishes. Embrace the versatility of herbs and explore the world of flavors they have to offer. Happy herb-infused cooking!

Nail Whitener - Bath Blend of the Month

 I wear gloves when I garden, but the soil gets into the gloves and under my nails and as a result can still discolor my nails.  I also wear a brownish red nail polish in the summer to cover the staining under my nails which can also result in nail discoloration.  I found this recipe in an article from 2012 in the Herb Companion (Mother Earth Living) by Janice Cox author of Natural Beauty at Home, for a nail lightener that will fade this discoloration overtime, so by summer end I can get my nails looking like new again.

Nail Whitener

• 2 Tbls. orange flower water
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Mix ingredients together and pour into a clean container.

TO USE: With a clean cotton swab or cotton ball, apply to clean dry nails and allow to dry. Repeat 2 or 3 times.  This can be done every couple of days until your nails are back to thier natural color.  Make sure you moisturize your hands and cuticles, as lemon juice can be drying. Try out this cuticle balm.

Nature's Coolest Helpers: Beating the Heat with Herbs

When the temperatures climb like they are this week in Illinois and surrounding areas, it's tempting to retreat indoors with the air conditioner running full blast. But herbs have been helping people stay cool, hydrated, and refreshed for centuries and are worth a try. Whether you're sipping a glass of herbal iced tea, adding cooling herbs to your meals, or harvesting from your garden in the early morning, herbs can make even the hottest summer days more enjoyable.

Cool from the Inside Out

Many herbs have naturally refreshing flavors that make them perfect for summer drinks.

Mint

Perhaps the king of cooling herbs, mint creates a refreshing sensation thanks to its natural menthol. Add fresh sprigs to water, lemonade, iced tea, or fruit salads. Mint also makes an excellent herbal tea that's just as delicious served over ice.

Lemon Balm

With its gentle lemon aroma and calming qualities, lemon balm is wonderful for stressful, hot afternoons. Brew it into an iced tea or combine it with mint for a refreshing summer blend.

Hibiscus

If you're looking for something colorful, hibiscus makes a beautiful ruby-red iced tea. Its tart, cranberry-like flavor pairs well with honey, citrus, or berries and is wonderfully thirst-quenching.

Lavender

A small amount of lavender adds a floral touch to lemonade or iced tea. Just a little goes a long way, creating an elegant summer beverage perfect for entertaining.

Add Herbs to Summer Meals

Heavy meals can feel overwhelming in hot weather. Fresh herbs brighten lighter dishes and add plenty of flavor without extra salt.

Try adding:

• 
  Basil to tomato salads and pasta. We love to slice tomato and cucumber and spread them on a plate.  Sprinkle them with our Greek Blend and drizzle with olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar.  Cool, refreshing and filled with summer goodness.
  
• Dill to cucumber salads and yogurt dips.
• Parsley to grain bowls and potato salad, perfect with our Summer only Potato Salad Seasoning.
• Chives over grilled vegetables.
• Cilantro in fresh salsa and tacos.

Herbs allow simple seasonal produce to shine.

Make Your Own Cooling Infused Water

Skip sugary drinks and make a naturally flavored herbal water.

Some favorite combinations include:

• Mint + cucumber
• Lemon balm + lemon slices
• Basil + strawberries
• Lavender + blueberries
• Rosemary + orange slices
• Borage + cucumber

Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for several hours before serving over ice.

Zesty Citrus Cooler (Made with Zesty Lemon Tea)

• 2 Tbsp Backyard Patch Zesty Lemon Tea
• 2 cups hot water
• 4 cups cold water
• Lime slices
• Lemon slices
• Cucumber ribbons
• Mint

Brew tea in two cups water and allow to steep 15 minutes.  Add cold water along with lemon, lime and cucumber and allow to chill several hours.  Then serve with ice and a sprig of mint. Perfect after gardening or spending time outdoors.

Harvest Smart During Hot Weather

Summer heat can be tough on herbs too.

For the best flavor:

• Harvest early in the morning.
• Water deeply rather than frequently.
• Mulch around plants to keep roots cool.
• Pinch flowers on leafy herbs like basil and mint to encourage fresh growth.
• Dry herbs indoors where temperatures are moderate.

A little care keeps your herb garden productive throughout the hottest months.

Herbs Beyond the Kitchen

Cooling herbs aren't limited to food and drinks.

Fresh herbs can also be used to make:

• Herbal facial mists
• Cooling foot soaks
• Bath sachets
• Refreshing linen sprays
• Homemade herbal ice cubes for beverages

These simple projects help you enjoy your harvest in new ways while making hot summer days feel a bit more comfortable.

Stay Cool Naturally

Summer doesn't have to mean simply enduring the heat. Herbs bring fresh flavors, beautiful aromas, and cooling refreshment to everyday life. Whether you're harvesting from your own garden or picking up a bundle at the market, there's always another delicious way to let herbs help you beat the heat.

So pour yourself a glass of iced herbal tea, head outside in the early morning to gather a few sprigs from the garden, and enjoy one of the season's greatest gifts—fresh herbs at their peak.

 

Eight Summer Green Sauces

Nearly every culture has a version of herb sauce — pesto, chimichurri, salsa verde, zhug. The formula is forgiving:

Fresh herbs + oil + acid + salt.

Blend whatever is abundant. The garden decides dinner.

Green sauces are one of the easiest ways to add fresh herb flavor to meals. They can be used as dips, sandwich spreads, marinades, salad dressings, or toppings for grilled vegetables, meats, fish, pasta and grains. 

Classic Herb Chimichurri

A bright Argentine sauce perfect for grilled vegetables, steak, chicken, or roasted potatoes.

• 1 cup parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup oregano leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Mix all ingredients together and let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Garden Herb Green Goddess

Creamy and packed with fresh herbs.

• 
  ½ cup mayonnaise
  
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup chives
• ¼ cup parsley
• 2 Tbsp tarragon
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Blend until smooth. Serve as a dressing, dip, or sandwich spread.

Basil Parsley Pesto

Not just for pasta!

• 1 cup basil leaves
• 1 cup parsley
• ⅓ cup walnuts or sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Directions

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

Uses

• Toss with pasta
• Spread on sandwiches
• Stir into soups
• Top grilled vegetables

Lemon Balm Herb Sauce

A refreshing sauce that pairs well with fish and chicken.

• 1 cup lemon balm leaves
• ½ cup parsley
• 2 Tbsp chives
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Blend until smooth.

Herb Salsa Verde

A zesty Italian-style green sauce.

• 1 cup parsley
• 2 Tbsp fresh oregano
• 1 Tbsp capers
• 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• ⅓ cup olive oil

Directions

Pulse ingredients together until finely chopped but not completely smooth.

Mint & Cilantro Green Sauce

Excellent with grilled vegetables, lamb, or grain bowls.

• 1 cup cilantro
• ½ cup mint
• 1 jalapeño, seeded
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 garlic clove
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Directions

Blend until smooth.

Dill Cucumber Sauce

Fresh and cooling for summer meals.

• 1 cup cucumber, chopped
• ¼ cup dill
• 2 Tbsp parsley
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic

Directions

Blend until creamy.

Uses

• Fish
• Salmon burgers
• Vegetable platters
• Potato salad dressing

Backyard Patch Garden Green Sauce

A "use what you've got" herb garden sauce.

• 2 cups mixed herbs (parsley, basil, lemon balm, chives, oregano, mint, or dill)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Blend until smooth. Adjust thickness with more oil or a splash of water.

Tip

This is a great recipe for using small harvests from several herbs at once. The flavor changes throughout the season depending on what's growing in the garden.

Green sauces are proof that a handful of fresh herbs can transform everyday meals into something special. Whether you prefer the bright tang of chimichurri, the creamy richness of Green Goddess dressing, or a simple garden herb blend made from whatever is thriving in your backyard, these versatile sauces offer endless ways to enjoy the flavors of the season. They’re a delicious solution for using up abundant herb harvests while adding color, nutrition, and fresh flavor to everything from grilled vegetables and meats to salads, sandwiches, and grain bowls. So grab a handful of herbs, fire up the blender, and discover just how easy it is to bring a little green goodness to your table.

Summer Flower Tea - Tea of the Month

Here is a great tea that is sunny, floral and easy going.  You can serve it hot or cold on the porch.  It has a lovely golden color that is great for gatherings or individual sipping.  It has a slightly sweet and nostalgic flavor.

Summer Flower Tea Blend

• 2 parts lemon balm
• 1 part anise hyssop
• 1 part calendula petals
• 1 part pineapple sage (or common sage for more robust herbal tone)
• ½ part lavender

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in glass jar with a tight fitting lid and shake to mix.
• TO USE: add 1 Tbsp per quart water for sun tea, or 1 tsp of blend per cup of hot water. Steep 10 minutes. Sweeten lightly with honey if desired

Anise Hyssop

Creating Herbal Fun Via Recycling - How Tuesday

We recently did a Green Gifts with Herbs program for which I created a whole new selection of gift ideas.  I wanted to be creative and I wanted to use up a number of items that I was collecting in a stash.  

We are going to be adding this program to our Workshop Programs this year and have presented it as part of the Garden and Green Living Expo in Madison, Wisconsin for 2026 (Feb 13 to 15).  This allowed me to have fun with pressed flowers and also try a new technique for flower pounding.  Here is what I mean:

Previously I used grass and flowers to make napkins and table cloths, as well as a few cards.

Now I am making more cards and using a clear cover so I can be more accurate with my designs.

The clear material is salvaged from plastic berry boxes, spinach containers and other thin plastics.  Type 2 recyclable plastic is not accepted in my municipality, so this is a great way  to reuse those items, so less goes into the landfill.

Flower Pounding

• Recycled item: card stock, plastic fruit containers

• How to create: trim card stock to the size of a note card envelope or post card size.  Trim the fruit container plastic to give you small or large flat areas to use for pounding. Take fresh flowers, herbs and plant leaves. Lay the plant materials out on the card stock, cover with a  clear piece of plastic and lightly pound with a hammer.  Remove the plastic and peel off the now pounded plant material. Allow the card to dry.

• How to Use: Send a note to friends or family. Or use as a gift tag on another hand created gift.

I love to press flowers.  I especially love to press pansies.  This year I obtained a lovely pansy locally that is purple and yellow with the purple an  outline around the petals and the yellow on the face.  They are stunning in the containers on the porch. And to my great surprise, when pounded all the color transfers giving great images.

I also created bookmarks, pressed flower cards, and these great pressed flower stickers with these and other flowers.

Leaf Stickers

• Recycled item: dry pressed leaves or herbs, clear tape, wax paper

• How to create: Gather pressed flowers, herbs and leaves.  Place a sheet or wax paper shiny side up on a flat surface.  Cover the wax paper with clear packing tape, sticky side down.  Add pressed items to the packing tape, holding them in place with a dot of glue. Cover the items with more strips of packing tape and press down well to fuse the layers and work out wrinkles or air bubbles with a smooth-edged tool or finger tips.  Trim the individuals leaves / items from the sheet. 

• How to use: When ready to use, peel the wax paper from the tape revealing a clear sticker with the leaf, flower or herb that can be used in planners or scrapbooks. 

Keep your eye out for more of these as a How to, as I sort through the videos and photos from my Expo presentation.

Citrus Dry Perfume - Bath Blend of the Month

Summer fresh scent to use instead of perfume to scent skin and hair.

Citrus Dry Perfume

• 1 teaspoon orris root powder
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon finely powdered dry orange peel
• 1 teaspoon finely powdered dry lemon peel
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 drops begamot essential oil

Mix together all the ingredients.  Place items in a food processor, blender or coffee grinder and process until you havve a smooth, fine powder.  Place the perfume in a clean container with a tight fitting lid.

TO USE: Rub a small amount of this scented powder on your skin where you would apply perfume or cologne.