Chickweed Salad - Weekend Recipe

In my Curative Propertiesof Tea Herbs program we discuss using chickweed in tea.  Chickweed is an invasive weed very common here in Illinois.  There were a few gardeners who had never seen it.  I only wish that was my circumstance, but alas.  I recently stumbled across a recipe for using chickweed to make a salad.  I love that this give us another reason to harvest this weed from our garden and enjoy its medicinal properties.

Chickweed medicinal characteristics: 

• Historically, chickweed has been used as an expectorant to help loosen mucus and relieve coughs and congestion.  
  
• It may help soothe inflammation in the respiratory tract.  
  
• Chickweed is known as a demulcent, meaning it can help soothe irritated mucous membranes, which could be beneficial for digestive issues. 
• It may have a mild laxative effect, potentially aiding in relieving constipation.  
• Chickweed is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. 
• It is also considered a good source of vitamins (including Vitamin C) and minerals, and also contains antioxidants. 
• It may have a mild diuretic effect, helping to eliminate excess fluid from the body.  
• Studies in mice have shown that chickweed may have a positive impact on body weight and food consumption. 
• It's also believed to potentially aid in weight loss by delaying intestinal absorption of dietary fat and carbohydrates. 
  

For this and other reasons it is great to enjoy chickweed in tea and in this case in a salad.

Chickweed Salad

• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 handful of chickweed, chopped
• 14/4 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
• 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
• Dressing – I suggest a vinegar and oil dressing made with BYP Italian Dressing and Marinade, Greek Blend, or Curry Spice Dressing.

Combine all the items in a bowl, toss with dressing and serve immediately.  Enjoy!

                                       

 

 

Easter & Spring Entertaining with Herbal Dips & Spreads

Spring is the perfect time to gather with friends and family, enjoying fresh flavors and vibrant colors inspired by the season. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, a casual garden party, or simply looking for new ways to incorporate herbs into your entertaining, these herbal dips and spreads are sure to impress. Featuring a mix of Backyard Patch Herbs blends and fresh individual herbs, these recipes are easy to prepare and bursting with seasonal flavor.

Garden Fresh Herb & Lemon Goat Cheese Spread

A bright and creamy spread that pairs perfectly with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.

• 8 oz goat cheese, softened
• 2 Tbls olive oil
• 1 Tbls fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 Tbls Backyard Patch Herbs Fine Herbs Seasoning or a mix of fresh thyme, parsley, and chives
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, mix the softened goat cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Stir in the BYP Fine Herbs Seasoning or fresh herbs, blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crackers, bread, or sliced veggies.

 

Spring Pea & Mint Hummus

A fresh twist on classic hummus, this recipe incorporates the sweetness of peas and the brightness of mint.

• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas (thawed)
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 Tbls tahini
• 2 Tbls lemon juice
• 2 Tbls olive oil
• 1 Tbls fresh mint, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor, blend the peas and chickpeas until smooth. Add tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic, pulsing until combined. Stir in the fresh mint and season with salt and pepper. Serve with pita chips or fresh cut pita, or fresh vegetables.

Dill & Chive Yogurt Dip

A creamy, herbaceous dip perfect for spring vegetables or as a topping for roasted potatoes.

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbls Backyard Patch Herbs Marcy’s Dill Dip Mix or a mix of fresh dill and chives
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled with vegetables, chips, or use as a sauce for grilled meats.

 

Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Cream Cheese Spread

A rich and flavorful spread that pairs well with bagels, crackers, or sandwiches.

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 Tbls sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 Tbls Backyard Patch Herbs Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Mix or fresh basil, chopped
• 1 Tbls olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with olive oil until smooth. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and BYP Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Mix or basil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature for easy spreading.

 

Herbal Entertaining Tips

• Pair your dips with fresh spring vegetables like radishes, snap peas, carrots, and cucumbers.

• Use a variety of crackers, breads, and pita chips to offer different textures and flavors.

• Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful and festive presentation.

• Make the dips ahead of time so flavors can develop and you can focus on enjoying your gathering.

These herbal dips and spreads are simple yet flavorful additions to any Easter or springtime gathering. Whether using Backyard Patch Herbs blends or fresh garden herbs, you’ll bring fresh, seasonal flavors to the table with ease. Happy spring entertaining!

 

Relaxation Tea Blend - Tea Blend of the Month

Today I am speaking to the Village Garden Club of Hinsdale, Illinois. They asked me to speak on my favorite subject, herbal tea!  The program is called the Curative Properties of Tea, where I review and explain the medicinal properties of various herbs used in healing teas.

I became an herb grower because of my love of herb tea, and back in the 90's there just was not much selection, so I needed to grow a few herbs to make my own.

When making tea, you have to consider several flavors: sweet, savory, pungent and floral.  Floral flavors can be savory or sweet, but we separate them out when making tea because they are so commonly used.

Here are the rules for blending teas:

• 1 pungent, 1 savory, 1 sweet, 1 floral
• 1 pungent, 1 savory, 2 sweets, 1 floral
• 1 pungent, 2 savory
• 2 savory, 3 floral
• 1 savory, 1 sweet, 1-2 floral
• 1 sweet, 2-3 floral

And here is a tea recipe using those rules that my lecture participants will be creating today.

Relaxation Tea Blend

• 1 part lemon balm (sweet - helps relaxation and reduces stress)
• 2 parts hops (floral - increases restfulness and calm)
• 1 part mexican oregano (savory - reduces cold symptoms)

Mix together and store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.  

To Use: Use 1 tsp per cup of hot water and allow to steep 7 to 10 minutes before enjoying.

An Earth Month Challenge - Can you Match me?

I am listening to the wind wildly howling outside of my home. Although we are done with snow, Winter is definitely still trying to intrude on my Spring plans.  We did not have much snow this winter and I dislike not having a blanket of snow on the ground when the wind howls, I worry about my lavender which can dry out in strong wind. I worry about my thyme whose tiny roots can freeze without a winter blanket.  And I get concerned that the water table will not be properly replenished without the moisture of snow.

Wind can be an inconvenience to me when it blows my mulch around the backyard, and can be a threat to me when it becomes a destructive force during weather events, many of which have happened recently. But I remind myself that this wind is a gift. This is the wind that blows fresh air into my lungs. This is the wind that disperses the seeds that will be this summer’s bounty. This is the wind that will bring in the warmer weather to come. This is the wind that shapes the landscapes that shape my life.  

Every minute of every day in every season we receive gifts from the earth.  That’s why, to celebrate Earth Month this year, I decided to give myself an Earth Challenge:

List 52 reasons why I am grateful for the earth.  One for each week of the year.  The theme for Earth Day this year is Our Power, Our Earth and in these days of budget cutting it becomes that much more important to recognize what we receive and make sure we are protecting it for the future.

At first it seemed like a tedious task, but about halfway through I noticed that the more gratitude I listed, the more gratitude I felt, and the rest of the list was done in a flash. That’s the way these things work. Fear leads to more fear. Gratitude leads to more gratitude. And more gratitude leads to more gifts.

By the time I reached the end, I had renewed my appreciation and commitment to giving back to the earth as best I can. Isn’t that what Earth Day is all about? Good luck, and remember to share your lists to spread the gratitude!

This Earth Day, I Am Grateful For:

1.   The wind’s power and presence.
2.   The beautiful sunset today.
3.  The fresh drinking water that comes into my faucet from an underground well.
4.  The trees around me. I always feel sheltered. Not to mention their gift of oxygen!
5.  The seasons. They encourage me to remember that change is good and necessary. 
6.  The smell of lavender, which is very calming to me.
7.  Bees. Besides the gifts of honey and wax, they pollinate plants so that humans can enjoy the fruits.
8.  Rocks. Many indigenous people call rocks the grandfathers of the earth. They hold the wisdom of the earth as they humbly hold up my home.
9.  The knowledge and wisdom that I have gained from watching my herbs grow.
10.  The reliability of earth’s cycles (daily, monthly, yearly, etc.) is very grounding.
11.  The song of frogs in the spring. It makes me want to sing, too!
12. The smell of the air after a rain, the freshness of the cleansing rain-soaked soil.
13.  The few inches that my shoulders drop when I go into nature.
14. Turtles. They teach me patience and persistence.
15.  The satisfaction of planting a seed in the spring and watching it grow all summer.
16.   Spring flowers, which bring hope after a long winter.
17. The experience of absolute stillness and peace that can be found in certain places on this earth. It reminds me to slow down and listen.
18.  Medicines I have created that have come directly from the earth.
19.  The feeling of my bare feet in grass. Aaahhhh!
20.  The freshness of the air in wintertime, especially after a snow.
21. The smell of fallen pine needles in the sunshine
22.  The changeability of nature. It’s very rare to see the same exact thing twice.
23.  The extremes in nature that collectively create balance. Our earth has darkest and lightest, highest and lowest, biggest and smallest, hottest and coldest.
24.  Eagles that amaze me in their strength and power.
25. The clouds in the sky that warn of upcoming weather and amuse me with their designs.
26. The ocean. It can be a very relaxing place, but also exhilarating!
27.  The end of a hot summer day when the cicadas start calling, the fireflies come out, and the relief of coolness is finally felt.
28. Resources from the earth such as sun, coal, oil and wind that provide me with heat and power.
29. The times I have seen the earth physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually heal people.
30. Wind power the natural spin of a windmill, be it for power or to bring up water from the well, this natural method provides me with resources I need.
31. Human beings. We are as much a part of the earth as the crow that calls and the leaves that fall.
32. The diversity on this planet in people, plants and animals. This keeps our ecosystems strong and resilient.
33.  The yearly emergence of butterflies reminds me to live within the natural stages of my life.
34. The adaptability of nature and people.  
35. The dead squirrel in the road, it reminds me to slow down.
36. The song of the chickadee.
37.  Water. It can take any form, can serve any purpose, and keeps us all alive.
38. The light of sun and moon that brightens the dark reaches.
39. Zinnias, an explosion of color that can last all summer.
40.  A gathering of birds in the trees in the evening, the cacophony of sound makes me appreciate the noise of nature, especially when it can drown out the traffic.
41.   A meal made with freshly harvested herbs that allows me to enjoy the variety the earth has to offer.
42. The smell of lemon herbs as I harvest them and the brightening of my mood as a result.
43.  Rain as it nourishes the earth, feeds the plants and cleans the air.
44. A thunderstorm, renewing the nitrogen and reminding me that weather is a cycle.
45.  Natural barriers, a slope, a thicket, a collection of thorny bushes, to remind me that not everything is easy to travel though and although there are hard times, you can come out on the other side.
46. Sunrise. The awakening of the day gives a new start every time.
47. Deer prancing through a field.  Not only do they provide food, their playfulness reminds us that sometimes you can just run around and enjoy what nature offers.
48.  The sudden release of scent when I brush against scented geraniums on my steps, it reminds me to pause and experience my day.
49.  Planting seeds.  It is a belief in tomorrow and I can use the seed I harvested last year from wild flowers and annuals in my garden attracting pollinators and my gaze.
50.  A lunar eclipse, several of which will happen this year, reminds me of the vastness of our universe and the importance of the moon to our tides and seasons,
51. Herbs, the scent, the properties, the uses, they are my life.
52. Snow in Winter.  It brings me full circle to the dormant times that I know will give birth to a Spring and new beginnings.

 

Spring to Summer Muscle Massage OIl - Bath Blend of the Month

I don't know about you, but even though the days are warmer and I can garden (almost) I tend to get achy. I don't drink enough water, the house is dry, my exercise falls off because it is wet outdoors.  This is the time of swollen ankles and sore muscles.  So I whip up this massage oil.  I can smooth it into my legs and have the hubby do my shoulders. The oils help rehydrate my skin and the essential oils work on the aches.

Spring to Summer Massage Oil

This relaxing massage oil increases circulation and helps the body eliminate lactic acid and other metabolic byproducts for instant muscle pain relief. Essential oils provide deep relaxation and help alleviate pain.

• 3 ounces almond oil
• 1 ounce jojoba oil
• 10 drops birch essential oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

1. Mix ingredients together and store in a tightly capped glass bottle.
2. Use as desired for massage, keeping away from the eyes and mucous membranes.