Busy Season - Join the Advent Calendar - last minute gifts and more!

Much to my surprise and excitement, people really did shop online this fall.  Backyard Patch Herbs has been so busy that posting on the blog was impossible.  I was able to keep up with the Advent Calendar which you can view here- Advent Calendar.

We lost a lot of sleep since Thanksgiving, we would fill the back seat of my car and go to the post office every morning, work all day making orders and fill the car again the next day.  My only trips away from the house were generally to the post office. 

I never realized how important ink was when you print your own labels and ink is in short supply at stores. And canning jars may be something folks are hording as much as toilet paper.  We had to trek to the hinterlands to buy jars frequently and there was a limit on purchases.

I ran out of shipping boxes two to three weeks ago and my husband started making me boxes out of other boxes.  He announces it as his new hidden skill.

All that being said, I wanted to share a couple things with you, 

First if you want a last minute gift, I suggest two things:

1- The Essential Herbal Magazine!  It is an eMagazine so you can get the January/February issue which just came out, sent to your family member or herb friend.  The magazine comes out 6 times a year with the in-between months receiving an "extra" of seasonal herb recipes and ideas.

2- An herbal subscription at Backyard Patch Herbs - these monthly subscriptions are available in various lengths and can feature tea or cooking blends sent once a month.  For those ordering at the last minute, we will send an email with subscription details and send the first installment around January 15.

Now to the meat of the message - my husband and I are going to graze through Christmas while creating a mystery marathon with our subscription services since our favorite PBS station is no more.  We are creating charcuterie boards featuring meats, cheeses, spreads and olives.

I have made this great spread with goat cheese and olives-

Holiday Green and Red Spread

• 3/4 cup green- or black-olive finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
• 5 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or 2 Tbls fresh)
• 5 ounces soft goat cheese
• crostini or thin slices of French bread

In a small bowl, combine olives, thyme leaves, walnuts, and cranberries. Spread 1 to 2 teaspoons goat cheese onto each crostini. Place 1 to 2 teaspoons olive mixture on top, and garnish each with thyme tips. Serve.

So enjoy your holiday safely, and may we all be prosperous in the New Year when we will be able to hug again!