Cozy up with Four Soups from Backyard Patch Herbs

 As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a simmering pot of soup on the stove. Whether you’re winding down after a chilly day or planning a cozy weekend meal, homemade soup has a way of warming both the body and the soul.

At Backyard Patch Herbs, we make it easy to bring that home-cooked goodness to your table — our soup mixes are packed with homegrown herbs and flavorful ingredients that turn simple water (or broth) into a comforting, aromatic meal in minutes.

Here are a few of our favorite cozy soup recipes to enjoy this season — each one easy to make and even easier to love.

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🍅 Hearty Italian Tomato Soup

Perfect for: A quick weeknight dinner or an easy lunch with grilled cheese.

You’ll need:

• 1 package Backyard Patch Hearty Italian Bean Soup Mix
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Optional: Add cooked macaroni, rice, or white beans for a heartier version

To make:
Combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The herbs in our mix — basil, oregano, parsley, and garlic — create that comforting Italian aroma that fills the kitchen. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving for a little extra comfort.

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🥕 Garden Vegetable Stew

Perfect for: Using up late-season veggies or frozen garden bounty.

You’ll need:

• 1 package Backyard Patch Barley Vegetable Soup Mix
• 6 cups broth (or water)
• 2 cups chopped vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, zucchini, or green beans)

To make:
Simmer the soup mix and vegetables together until tender. The mix’s combination of thyme, sage, and marjoram adds a rich, layered flavor. For extra heartiness, toss in cooked barley or lentils.

💡 Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day — perfect for meal prep lunches.

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🫘 Rustic Legume & Barley Soup

Perfect for: A satisfying one-pot meal that feels like a hug.

You’ll need:

• 1 package Backyard Patch Hearty Homestead Soup Mix
• 10 cups broth or water
• Optional: Add diced ham, sausage, or chopped kale for variety

To make:
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 1½ hours until the beans are tender and the broth thickens. The blend of savory herbs creates deep, slow-cooked flavor without the wait.

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🌈 Rainbow Harvest Bean Soup

Perfect for: A chilly evening when you want a wholesome, hearty bowl with garden-fresh flavor.

You’ll need:

• 1 package Backyard Patch Rainbow (Multi-Bean) Soup Mix
• 6 cups broth or water
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 cup chopped vegetables — carrots, celery, or bell peppers work beautifully
• Optional add-ins: cooked sausage, chopped kale, or a handful of fresh spinach before serving

To make:
Rinse the bean mix, then add it to a large pot with broth and vegetables. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1 to 1½ hours, or until the beans are tender and the broth is rich. Stir in tomatoes during the last 15 minutes for extra depth.

This colorful blend of beans and herbs makes a nourishing meal that’s as satisfying as it is pretty in the bowl — perfect with a slice of crusty bread or cornbread on the side.

💡 Tip: Make a double batch and freeze portions for quick weeknight dinners!

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🍂 Bonus: Turn Any Mix into a Slow Cooker Meal

Busy day ahead? Toss your favorite Backyard Patch Soup Mix into a slow cooker with broth and your chosen add-ins. Set it on low in the morning and come home to a house filled with the smell of herbs and comfort.

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🌾 A Bowl of Comfort, Straight from the Garden

Every Backyard Patch Soup Mix is crafted from herbs grown and blended right here — with no preservatives, fillers, or artificial flavoring. Just wholesome ingredients and the satisfaction of making something warm and wonderful with ease.

So grab your favorite mug or bowl, pull on your coziest sweater, and let’s make this soup season delicious.

🛒 Explore all our soup mixes and find your new favorite cozy companion: Shop all the Soups.

Thyme to Sleep Tea - Tea of the Month

I have many nights where I find sleep elusive.  I am a light sleeper and easily wake and find myself unable to fall back to sleep.  Thyme is a go-to herb to help me sleep. Thyme is a powerful antibacterial; combined with its strong action as an antitussive (cough suppressive), those dry winter days indoors will bother you no more! When the dry cough comes creeping in and sleep is elusive, drink some of this thyme tea with honey and lemon, and you won’t even need to count sheep.

Thyme to Sleep Tea

3 cups water

4-6 tsp dried garden thyme

4-6 tsp dried bee balm leaves or flowers

Honey to flavor

Place herbs in a tea ball or coffee filter and place in a teapot.  Boil water and pour over dried herbs. Cover immediately to trap volatile oils. Steep time is your preference; longer is stronger. Start with 4-6 minutes. Add honey and lemon juice to flavor bring out the flavor. Sweet dreams!

Mini Cheddar Basil Scones - How to

I have not shared a how to in a bit and I just recently made these scones for an "Afternoon Tea" program and took several phots, so I thought I would share the steps for making them.

These are a mini scone because the diameter is only the size of a 1/3 cup measure, or abut 2 to 2 1/2 inches.  Most scones are 3 to 4 inches in diameter.  These were perfect for a tea party and were also great with soup and a salad.

This is a favorite recipes using  fresh basil and any basil will do, including holy basil, purple basil, thai basil and lemon basil, or a combination of several. It smells so good while it's baking & they are very good reheated days later. Make these as a breakfast treat by adding 3 strips of crumbled bacon as you add the basil and cheese. 

HOW TO - create these scones.

Gather your ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbls. sugar
• 1 Tbls. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
• 2/3 cup snipped fresh basil
• 1-1/2 cups whipping cream, half-and-half or light cream
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Whipping cream, half-and-half or light cream

You'll need two bowls.  A large one into which you combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

Then you add in the shredded cheddar and snipped basil.  You can cut up the basil with scissors, which is what I did giving irregular pieces, or you can chiffinade the basil, there is not hard and fast rule here,

Stir everything together.

clipping the basil

In a small bowl, lightly beat one egg, then add 1-1/2 cups cream

                  

Add the mixed egg and cream to the flour mixture, stirring until moistened. Get all the flour off the sides and bottom of the bowl and make sure it is all moist.  I suggest adding the cream mixture in two parts to give you time to see that everything is moist.

Turn out the somewhat sticky dough onto a well- floured surface.  

Pat a bit of flour on top and then knead by placing the left and ride side inthe the middle and press down with the heal of your hand. Then do the same with the top and bottom sides.  Flip it over and repeat.  Flip it over and repeat.  As you work the dough will become stiffer and less stick as the glutten is activated.  Do the same thing two more times.  You should knead a total of 10 to 12 times.

kneading the dough

Then cut the dough in half and press into a flat square or oval, about 1/2 inch thick.  

I used a 1/3 cup meaturing cup and cut 8 scones from each half of the dough.  I worked the scraps back together and got one and 1/2 extra. 

Place the scones onto a baking sheet about 1 inch apart.  Brush tops with additional cream. 

Bake in a 450 degree F oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden. Remove from baking sheet; serve warm. Makes 16 scones. Warm us scones later, by wrapping in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 30 seconds.

Cheddar Basil Mini Scones

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  3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
  
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
• 2/3 cup snipped fresh basil
• 1-1/2 cups whipping cream, half-and-half or light cream
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Whipping cream, half-and-half or light cream

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add shredded cheddar and basil; stir to combine.  In a small bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups cream and egg. Add to flour mixture, stirring until moistened. Turn out onto a well- floured surface; knead gently for 10 to 12 strokes. Divide dough in half; shape into two balls. Pat or roll each into a 6-inch circle. Cut each into 8 wedges. Place onto ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with additional cream. Bake in a 450 degree F oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden. Remove from baking sheet; serve warm. Makes 16 scones.

 

Zap out Muscle Aches - Bath Blend of the Month

Zap Out Muscle Aches

No hot water bottle or heating pad handy? Try moistening a thick hand towel, or modest-size bath towel, folding it, then heating it in a microwave oven for about I minute and 30 seconds. Check to make sure it's not too hot, then press this "moist heat" pad on aching muscles. When it cools down, reheat for about 30 seconds. Use a face towel for smaller aches.

If you have an old clean sock and a few herbs and rice, you can make something herby to use in the mircowave as well. Here is a blend you can create, place in a sock (or if you are sewing inclined, create a small fabirc pillow,) and warm up to place on sore muscles and joints.

Zap out Muscle Mixture

Take a clean, heavyweight sock such as a cotton tube sock. 

4-5 cups of raw rice

1/4 cup lavender buds

1/8 cup chopped ginger

1 Tbls Valerian root

Fill the sock about 1/2 full with rice and add the herbs and spices.  Tie a knot in the top of the sock or wrap string around it and tie firmly. Massage the sock to distribute the herbs.

To Use: Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, until it's the right temperature. It's a heating pad that will fit against sore muscles, especially sore necks. Take care not to get it wet.

Green Cleaning a Video -- From Batavia Community TV

On September 17, 2025 I presented a program at the Batavia Public Library on Green Cleaning with Herbs.  The presentation was recorded by Community TV and we have the link to share with you here.  If you have wanted to see me in person but have not had an opportunity, you can check this out.

See the video here is the link - you will need to cut and paste it: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5hRLVshQyk

At Backyard Patch Herbs, we believe in using nature’s bounty to keep our homes fresh and toxin-free. Our Green Clean program dives into the art of chemical-free cleaning, offering techniques and recipes to make natural cleaning both easy and effective. Here, we’re sharing a simple yet powerful herbal cleaning recipe to get you started!

Herbal Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner

This multipurpose spray is great for countertops, sinks, and even glass. The vinegar cuts through grime, while citrus and herbs provide a fresh scent and antimicrobial boost.

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, lavender, or a mix)
• Peels of 1 lemon or orange
• 10 drops essential oil (optional; lemon, tea tree, or lavender work well)

Instructions:

1. Place citrus peels and dried herbs in a mason jar. Pour vinegar over the ingredients and let sit for at least a week to infuse. Strain out the solids and mix with water in a spray bottle. Add essential oils if desired, shake well, and use as needed!

This cleaner is a fantastic way to harness the antibacterial properties of herbs while filling your home with a fresh, uplifting scent.

Lemon Thyme Mint Fall Tea for Tea blend of the Month

Thyme is a great germ fighter and lemon is always refreshing, so this special recipe for a thyme -based tea will have you sipping as the days grow cooler.

Lemon Thyme Mint Tea

1 part lemon thyme (or ¼ part lemon peel)

1 part peppermint

1 part thyme

¼ part crushed coriander

Blend the ingredients together and place in a jar with a tight fitting lid.

TO USE: Add 1 Tsp to an infuser or coffee filter and allow to steep for 7 to 10 minutes.  Sip and enjoy!

Summer Cooking with Herbs: Seasonal Dishes

Make the most of summer produce with fresh herb recipes!

Summer is peak herb season, with gardens overflowing with lush, aromatic leaves and Farmer’s Markets brimming with locally grown produce. Cooking with fresh herbs is the best way to highlight seasonal produce and add layers of bright, unforgettable flavor to every meal.

Herb-Forward Salads and Dressings

• Add chopped parsley, dill, basil, or chives to green salads.
• Whip up an herby vinaigrette: olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon, fresh herbs.
• Quick Herb Vinaigrette
  
  
  
• 3/4 cup light flavored oil
• 1/4 cup herb or rice vinegar (sweet and savory work well)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (savory or sweet)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Place all the ingredients in a mason jar and shake vigorously until emulsified. Serve immediately. Makes 1 cup. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.

 

• Toss tomato, cucumber, and feta with oregano and mint for a Mediterranean touch. Or add our Greek Blend Seasoning.
• which is perfect on tomatoes.

Grilling with Fresh Herbs

• Make marinades with rosemary, thyme, and sage for meats and veggies.
• Easy Marinade
  
  
  
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1/8 cup cider vinegar  
• 2 clove garlic, crushed 
• 1 bay leaf 
• 1 Tbls. finely chopped onion
• ½ tsp. brown sugar
•  ½ tsp. fennel seed
•  ½ tsp. salt 
• 1/8 tsp. pepper 
• 2 tsp. fresh, 1 tsp dried herbs of your choice

Combine ingredients in a jar or cruet and shake well. Pour over cooked or uncooked vegetables, pasta salad, or chicken or beef.  Allow to marinate 2 to 8 hours, then grill, bake or broil as desired.

• Create herb butters with parsley, garlic, and chives to melt over grilled corn or steaks. Check out our previously posted herb butter recipes.
• Use sturdy herbs like rosemary or thyme as skewers for kebabs.

Light, Summery Pastas and Grain Bowls

• Toss pasta with olive oil, cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
• Make tabbouleh with fresh parsley and mint, bulgur, lemon juice, and tomatoes.
• Add chopped herbs to rice or quinoa salads with summer vegetables,
•  Tabbouleh
• 1 cup bulghur wheat
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup good olive oil
• 3 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts (1 bunch)
• 1 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (1 bunch)
• 1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (1 bunch)
• 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Place the bulghur in a large bowl, pour in the boiling water, and add the lemon juice, olive oil, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Stir, then allow to stand at room temperature for about 1 hour. Add the scallions, mint, parsley, cucumber, tomatoes, 2 teaspoons salt, and the pepper; mix well. Season, to taste, and serve or cover and refrigerate. The flavor will improve if the tabbouleh sits for a few hours. 

 

Closing

Your summer harvest deserves center stage. By weaving herbs into every dish, you celebrate the freshest flavors of the season while making meals that are as colorful as they are delicious.

Tea Blend for the Zodiac of Cancer - Tea Blend of the Month

Cancer is a Water sign ruled by the Moon—deeply emotional, nurturing, intuitive, and protective. A tea blend for Cancer should be calming, heartwarming, and supportive of emotional balance and digestive ease (since Cancer also rules the stomach).

♋ Cancer Zodiac Tea Blend

Purpose: To soothe the heart, calm the mind, and nurture the body—perfect for Cancer’s caring, home-loving nature.

• 1 part chamomile
  (Calming, anti-inflammatory, and emotionally soothing—perfect for Cancer’s sensitive spirit.)

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• 1 part lemon balm
  (Bright, lemony, and uplifting—helps ease anxiety and balance moods.)

• 1 part rose petals
  (Supports the heart and offers gentle emotional comfort and self-love.)

• ½ part peppermint
  (Adds a refreshing note and supports digestion—important for this stomach-ruled sign.)

• ½ part oatstraw (optional)
  (Deeply nourishing, helps with stress, and gently uplifts while grounding.)

🫖 Directions:

Blend all herbs together and store in an airtight jar.

To Use: To brew, use 1 tablespoon of the blend per cup of hot water. Steep for 5–7 minutes, covered. Sweeten with honey if desired. Enjoy in a cozy nook with a blanket and a book—very Cancerian!

Need a gift for a Cancer Birthday?  Check out our Zodiac Blends!

Herbs for Summer Beverages: Teas, Shrubs & Mocktails

Cool off with refreshing, herb-infused drinks!

Summer heat calls for drinks that truly refresh. Why settle for boring store-bought options when you can craft your own beautiful, herb-infused beverages? From iced teas and tangy shrubs to sophisticated mocktails, herbs bring bright flavors and gentle wellness benefits to your summer sipping.

Iced Herbal Teas to Soothe and Refresh

• Brew strong herbal tea with mint, lemon balm, hibiscus, or chamomile. Chill and serve over ice with fresh citrus slices. Check out our Summer Tea Blends.
• Add a touch of honey or herbal simple syrup for gentle sweetness.
• Tip: Try cold-infusing overnight in the fridge for mellow flavor.
  
  
  
• Making Simple Syrup

o    1  cup sugar

o    1  cup water

o    1 cup loosely packed fresh herb leaves, savory or sweet you can use any herb or edible flower

Place sugar and water in a small pan over medium heat until sugar is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes. Add the herbs. Allow to steep until the liquid reaches room temperature (15-30 minutes) and strain and discard herbs. Place syrup in a glass container or squeeze bottle if you have it.  Cover and chill for a couple hours. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a month.  

Herbal Shrubs for Tart Complexity

• Make a shrub (drinking vinegar) with herbs, fruit, sugar, and vinegar.
• Basil-strawberry, rosemary-peach, or thyme-blueberry are classic summer combos.
• Mix 1–2 tablespoons of shrub concentrate with sparkling water for a sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktail.
  
  
  
• Roasted Raspberry-Thyme Shrub
• 2 cups raspberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 8 thyme sprigs (or 2 tsp dried)
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

Place raspberries in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and toss with sugar, 6 thyme sprigs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, until raspberries release their juice.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Bring the pan to room temperature.  Roast the raspberries and their juice for about 25 minutes until the berries start to float.  Remove the pan from the oven and mash the berries lightly with a spoon.  Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve over a measuring cup.  Pour vinegar over the berries in sieve and press to remove any last juice.  Pour liquid into a pint jar, add remaining thyme and cap with a plastic lid, shake and refrigerate 1 day to 1 week before using.  (Will keep up to 1 year in the refrigerator.)

TO USE: Combine 1 ounce of Shrub with 4 ounces of seltzer or sparkling water.

This recipe is from The Complete Guide to Pickling by Julie Laing (Rockridge Press:2020)

Elegant Mocktails with Garden-Fresh Flavor

• Muddle fresh herbs (like basil, mint, or lavender) with citrus or berries.
• Add simple syrup, club soda, or tonic for a refreshing fizz.
• Example: Faux Gin and Tonic with your own herbal gin blend and tonic water garnished with cucumber and lemon.

Thyme without Gin Mocktail

• Thyme Simple Syrup
• fresh lemon juice
• Substitute gin
• Garnish: thyme sprigs

To make as a single cocktail – 1 part thyme simple syrup, 2 parts fresh lemon juice, 1 part zero proof Gin or regular gin, add to a large rocks glass with ice and about 3 ounces of sparkling water – part as ¾ ounce jigger makes a 6-ounce cocktail.

Closing

Summer herbs are more than just pretty—they’re the secret to memorable drinks that cool and delight. Experiment with your garden bounty and toast to a season of herbal refreshment!

Moonlit Comfort Soak - Bath Blend of the Month

Here's a calming, nurturing Cancer Zodiac Bath Blend that reflects Cancer’s deep emotional sensitivity, love of comfort, and connection to water. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which governs tides, intuition, and the home—so this bath soak is all about soothing the senses and creating a cocoon of self-care.

♋ Cancer Zodiac Bath Blend

Moonlit Comfort Soak

For emotional balance, relaxation, and heart-centered restoration

• 1/4 cup chamomile flowers (calming, soothing for skin and spirit)
• 1/4 cup lemon balm (uplifting and gentle; helps ease anxiety)
• 2 Tbsp rose petals (emotional heart support, self-love)
• 1 Tbsp lavender buds (relaxing and comforting)
• 1/4 cup Epsom salt (muscle-relaxing and energetically grounding)
• 1/4 cup sea salt (cleansing and detoxifying)
• Optional: 3–5 drops chamomile or rose essential oil, added just before bath time (never directly to dry herbs for long-term storage)

Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Store in an airtight jar. 

To Use: For each bath, scoop about 1/2 cup of the blend into a muslin bag, tea infuser, or directly into the tub (if you're okay with a bit of floating flora). Fill your tub with warm water, add the herbal blend, and let it steep for a few minutes before getting in. Soak for at least 20 minutes, ideally with candlelight or moonlight for the full Cancer effect.

Tip for Cancer Energy:

For extra comfort, pair your soak with soft music, a cup of warm tea made with Backyard Patch Cancer Herb Blend, and journaling or meditation to honor the nurturing, intuitive self.