Seven Herbal Gift Ideas for Mom - to make and buy

There are many gift ideas for Mom that incorporate herbs. Here are a few perfect examples, several of which you can make yourself:

1. Herbal Tea Set: Give your mom a collection of her favorite herbal teas, along with a beautiful teapot and a set of tea cups. This gift is perfect for mothers who love to relax with a cup of tea after a long day. Teapot Gifts and Tea Gifts.

2. Herbal Bath Salts: Herbal bath salts are a great way to provide relaxation and rejuvenation. You can make your own bath salts using dried herbs such as lavender, rose petals, and chamomile, or you can purchase pre-made herbal bath salts.

We shared this recipe on the blog back in May 2023, but here is a quick blend of salts to pamper skin.

Pampering Bath Salts

• 1 1/2 cups Epsom salts
•  3/4 cup baking soda
• 3/4 cup herbs (finely ground)

Combine everything in a jar and shake well.  Add 2 to 4 Tablespoons directly to the bath or place in a mesh or organza bag and swish to dissolve the salts.

3. Herbal Soaps: Another great gift for mom is herbal soaps. Especially soaps made from natural ingredients and infused with essential oils and dried herbs, providing a pleasant aroma and gentle cleansing.  I get my herbal soaps from Soapy Roads here in Lombard and you can order online too!

4. Herbal Body Oils: Herbal body oils are a great way to nourish the skin and provide a relaxing massage. You can make your own body oils by infusing carrier oils with dried herbs such as lavender, rose petals, and chamomile or you can just use essential oils in a carrier oil.

Essential oils like lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus come with benefits. But other oils—like black pepper, clove, and peppermint—can irritate the skin, so choose carefully. To make a safe, DIY bath oil blend five to 20 drops of an essential oil with one tablespoon of a carrier oil (like grapeseed, jojoba, almond, or argan oil). Add the oil right before you're about to get into the bath to keep it from evaporating.

5. Herbal Sachets: Herbal sachets are small bags filled with dried herbs, which can be placed in drawers or closets to provide a pleasant aroma and natural pest control. You can make your own sachets using herbs such as lavender, rose petals, and chamomile. RECipe

Romantic Evening Dreams

• 1/2 cup rose petals
• 1/2 cup rosemary
• 1/4 cup lavender flowers
• 2 lemon verbena leaves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon mint
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 small piece of cinnamon stick, 1 inch long, broken up

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake to combine.  Allow to meld for at least 2 days before placing in a sachet.

For a simple pillow, fill a 3- to 5-inch drawstring bag with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chosen herbs; draw strings and tie closed.

TO USE: place the sachet inside the pillowcase or under the pillow and inhale deeply as you fall asleep.  Enjoy the dreams!

6. Herb Garden: Giving an herb garden can be a great gift for a mom who likes gardening, cooking or both. You can give her a small indoor herb garden or a larger outdoor one.  Try these seed papers or these plant seedlings.

7. Herbal Candles : Herbal candles are a great way to provide a pleasant aroma and relaxation. You can make your own candles using beeswax and essential oils, or purchase pre-made herbal candles or those with pressed flowers.

All these gifts are thoughtful and can be personalized to your mom's preferences and interests, and can be a great way to show her how much you care.

Fennel and Rosemary Healing Tea - Tea of the Month

This tea is created to help heal any ailments you may have in the waining days of winter.

Fennel has many medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.  There are some immunity boosting properties and germ fighting qualities. It's also a good source of potassium and vitamin C. As an anti-inflammatory is can help relax the colon and decrease respiratory tract secretions

Rosemary is long know for its cognitive and memory enhancing qualities, making it perfect for wintertime brain fog. Like many other herbs it also has polyphenols and flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation.  Rosemary also has digestive health attributes, assisting with digestion, cramps, bloating, as well as antibacterial properties to help us through cold and flu season.

Fennel and Rosemary Healing Tea

1 ½ cups water

½ tsp fennel seed, crushed

1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves

Bring water to a boil, and add fennel seed and simmer for 10 min.  Strain fennel water over the rosemary leaves in a heat-safe mug and step 5 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey.  Sip slowly while warm.

Spring Cleaning with Herbs: Natural Solutions for Your Home

That time of year again, weather is warming and you want to open up the house and refresh after being closed up for the winter.  I love using herbs to wake up my senses and  make my home feel extra clean for the new season.  I wanted to share a few recipes to help you do the same.

The natural ingredients used in these recipes are:

Baking Soda – A gentle abrasive that helps scrub surfaces, deodorizes odors, and neutralizes acids. Great for removing stains and freshening fabrics.

Vinegar – A natural disinfectant that cuts through grease, dissolves mineral buildup, and neutralizes odors. Works well for glass, countertops, and descaling. Herbal vinegar ups this ability and I have several posts on making vinegar.

Castile Soap – A plant-based soap that lifts dirt, grease, and grime without harsh chemicals. Safe for most surfaces and great for all-purpose cleaning.

Essential Oils – Provide antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorizing properties while adding a natural, pleasant scent. Common choices include lemon, tea tree, and lavender. I love Now Brands for my oils because they are local and Illinois, like I am.

Hydrosols – Milder than essential oils, hydrosols have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making them great for gentle cleaning, refreshing fabrics, and surface sprays. I get my hydrosols from individual suppiers if I don't make it myself. Check out Mountain Rose Herbs

Now to the recipes:

Herby Soft Scrub

• 12-ounce glass jar with lid
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup castile soap
• 15 drops of antimicrobial essential oils, like rosemary, thyme and sage

Mix well until you have a nice consistency like cake frosting. If you have leftovers, add 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin to keep the blend nice and moist.

Super Surface Spray

• 16 ounces spray bottle
• 14 ounce - 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and water
• 7 drops tea tree essential oil
• 7 drops lavender essential oil
• 7 drops lemon essential oil

Use this aromatic and disinfecting solution for cleaning kitchen counters, cabinets, refrigerator shelves, blinds, painted wood surfaces, painted walls, molding, fan blades, and more.

Antibacterial Soap Spray

• 16-ounce spray bottle
• 14 ounces water or rosemary hydrosol
• 3 tablespoon castile soap
• 15 drops tea tree essential oil
• 15 drops oregano essential oil

Use this cleaning spray to disinfect your bathroom surfaces. You can use the Super Surface Spray to rinse away any residue left behind by the castile soap.

Natural Lemony Furniture Polish

• 16-ounce spray bottle
• 1 cup olive oil
• 25 drops pure lemon essential oil
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• Fill remainder of the bottle with purified water

Shake well and spray onto your rag or directly onto furniture. Buff dry immediately.

Lavender Dryer Sachet

•          1 3 x 3 inch muslin draw string bag
•          ½ cup lavender buds
•          Cotton balls

Place lavender buds in muslin bag, place 2 to 5 cotton balls in top of bag.  Pull draw string closed and tie in a knot.  The cotton balls keep the buds from slipping out of the tied bag during the tumbling.  Use multiple drier loads.  Spritz with a bit of water after three loads to rehydrate the lavender.  Stop using it when smell is gone.

Do you have favorite scents or cleaning agents that get you ready for the Spring season?  Share them with us.

Rosemary-Infused Cooking Oil

My rosemary came in for the winter and because of the early season warm weather kept growing, so this week I trimmed it up so it will not be as stressed now that it has gotten very cold here.  I decided to make a fun winter staple here in our home, which we use to marinade meats and vegetables. This simple recipe for rosemary-infused cooking oil is perfect for adding a fragrant herbal touch to your dishes!

Rosemary-Infused Cooking Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup olive oil (or another neutral oil like grapeseed or sunflower oil)
• 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary (washed and thoroughly dried)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rosemary:
   Ensure your rosemary sprigs are completely dry to prevent any water from causing the oil to spoil. Let them air dry for several hours or pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. Heat the Oil:
   In a small saucepan, gently heat the oil over low heat until warm but not simmering or boiling. (Aim for about 180°F/82°C, if you have a thermometer.) This helps extract the rosemary flavor without cooking the oil.
3. Add the Rosemary:
   Add the rosemary sprigs to the warm oil. Let them steep in the oil over low heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the aroma of rosemary infusing into the oil.
4. Cool and Strain (Optional):
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the oil to cool completely. For a more refined look, strain the oil into a clean, dry glass bottle or jar using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the rosemary.
5. Store:
   Seal the bottle or jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator.  Use the oil within 7 to 10 days and discard left overs at that time.

Uses:

• Drizzle over roasted vegetables or salads.
• Make a salad dressing with 2/3 cup oil, 1/4 cup vinegar and 2 Tbls water.
• Use as a dip for fresh bread sprinkled with parmesan cheese.
• Brush onto meats or vegetables before cooking.
• Enhance the flavor of marinades and pasta dishes.

Enjoy this fragrant and versatile oil! Let me know if you'd like tips for other herb infused items!

Bath or Shower Ball - Bath Blend of the Month

This quick blend is a nice combination of sweet scents for relaxation as well as soothing herbs for skin.  Use it in a tea ball or muslin bag and enjoy as a soak in the bath or as a rub in the shower.

Bath Tea Ball

1/3 cup rosemary

1/3 cup rose petals

1/3 cup lavender buds

Combine dry herbs into a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well. Scoop 1 to 2 Tablespoons in a tea ball for the bath or in a cotton muslin bag for the shower.

TO USE: Add 1 to 2 Tbls to a tea ball and hang under the tap while filling the bathtub.  Or add 1 to 2 Tbls to a muslin bag and hang from the shower head while letting water warm.  Then use the bag to scrub skin while showering to enrich skin with the herbal benefits.

Fennel and Rosemary Tea - Herb Tea of the Month

This is a curative blend that should be taken in moderation and avoided if you are pregnant or nursing and if you are prone to epileptic seizures.

Fennel and Rosemary Tea

• 1 ½ cups water
• ½ tsp fennel seed, crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves

Boil water add fennel seed and simmer for 10 min.  Pour fennel water over the rosemary leaves and step 5 minutes strain and sweeten with honey.  Sip slowly while warm.

Have a cup of this tea a day for a week after your main meal, then give it a 7 day rest before taking it again.  You don’t want to overdo it with these herbs.

Rosemary is rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium. The scent of rosemary is said to improve memory and drinking it can assist with digestion as well as thin blood and control blood pressure levels. 

Fennel is a source of malic acid which improves digestive function and potassium which helps it lower blood pressure. It also has a calming action which alleviates stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality. 

And finally both herbs can help with cold symptoms, sore throat and headaches.

Angel Toner - Bath Blend of the Month

 This blend of ingredients is a special little infusion that is great for your skin. Toners are a thin, water-like formula meant to be used in-between your face wash and other skincare steps to "prime" the skin for skincare. Previously, toners were heavy on the alcohol and were perfect for people with acne as they were very drying.  But these days they are not only for removing excess oil from the face, but contain a variety of soothing, brightening, and anti-aging ingredients.

Angel Toner

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5 Tbls rose petals
• 4 Tbls sage leaves
• 3 Tbls raspberry leaves
• 2 Tbls rosemary
• ¾ cup rosewater

Heat vinegar to just under boiling and pour over herbs.  Place in a jar with a plastic lid and allow to steep 10 days shaking every day.  Strain.  Add rosewater.  Store.

To Use: Place a small amount of toner an a cotton ball or pad and smooth over skin after washing and before applying moisturizer

Winter Simmer for Health and Wellness

Combat viruses, relieve congestion and stuffy nose, and add humidity to the air with this awesome stovetop simmer. The steam combined with the aromatic cleansing and health boosting properties
of the herbs in this simmer makes it more than just an air freshener.  This all natural, gentle remedy, and it smells amazing.

Winter Simmer

• 1/2 cup rosemary
• 1/2 cup eucalyptus
• 1/2 cup dried orange
• 2 Tbls. dried ginger pieces

Combine the herbs into a container with a tight fitting lid.

To Use: Fill a small saucepan with water.  Add 1/4 cup of the blend.  Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to allow pot to simmer and steam.  Keep an eye on it, so water does not boil away.

Everyday Bath Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

This unique combination of herbs and flowers can be used as a bath tub tea, or as a shower scrub.  

Equal amounts of: 

• Chamomile
• rose petals
• juniper berries
• rosemary
• spearmint

Combine these in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well.  Use 1 to 2 Tablespoons on a muslin bag or coffee filter for a bath or 4 Tablespoons in a washcloth for a shower.

To Prepare:

Add 1 cup of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Place the bag in the water and steep for 10 minutes. Add the liquid to the bath water.  Or used the washcloth to rub or scrub your skin while in the shower.  

Herbal attributes for skin and body

Chamomile:

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin irritation and redness. It is often used to soothe sensitive or irritated skin. It may help alleviate stress and promote better sleep.

Rose petals:

Rose petals are known for their hydrating properties, making them beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin. They help lock in moisture and maintain skin's natural balance. Rose petals also contain antioxidants that can help protect the skin against damage from free radicals and environmental stressors. Roses have soothing and toning properties, making them useful for reducing redness and inflammation.

Juniper berries:

Juniper berries have natural antiseptic properties that can help cleanse the skin and prevent infections. They can also help remove toxins and impurities from the skin. They have a mild astringent effect, which can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

Rosemary:

Rosemary has stimulating properties that can help promote circulation, which is beneficial for a healthy complexion. Additionally, Rosemary contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals with antimicrobial properties that can help prevent bacterial growth on the skin. It can help regulate oil production, making it useful for oily or acne-prone skin. It can help reduce excess oil and minimize breakouts.

Spearmint:

Spearmint has a cooling sensation that can provide relief to irritated or overheated skin. Spearmint has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent bacterial growth on the skin, making it useful for treating acne and preventing breakouts. It has mild astringent properties that can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

Please note that individual experiences may vary, and it's always a good idea to perform a patch test before using any new herb or ingredient on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or any known allergies.

Summer Skin Toner - Bath Blend of the Month

This toner and refresher is great to bring back the neutral pH to skin after cleansing. It is especially good for oily skin.

• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 5 Tablespoons rose petals
• 4 Tablespoons sage
• 3 Tablespoons raspberry leaves
• 2 Tablespoons rosemary
• 3/4 cup rosewater

Place all the herbs in a quart jar and warm the vinegar in a saucepan.  Once warmed, pour over herbs and cap with a plastic lid. Shake daily for 10 days. Strain and add rosewater to the resulting vinegar.  Store in a glass jar with a non-metal lid and apply with a cotton ball after cleansing skin.

DIY Cool Ice Treat For Dogs

There are dog ice treat kits you can buy, but they’re easily do-it-yourself with an ice cream pail, some water, and dog toys. Here’s how…

Fill an ice cream pail 1/3 full with water and place a couple dog toys in it. Freeze. Fill with more water until 2/3 full, add a few treats–freeze. Repeat one more layer like this until you have filled the ice cream pail.

Once everything’s fully frozen, set the pail in a sink full of warm water until you can pop out the big ice block filled with dog treats. Set the dog treat filled ice block out in the yard, and let your dog have at it.

Your puppy might not have a clue what this is all about until you make him one a time or two. As the block melts down and reveals his toys and treats, make sure you spend time acquainting him with it. Once he gets the idea, he’ll be all over it and happily lick away at the ice to get at the treats.

Another way to keep your pup cool in summer is to soak and freeze a bandana and then tie it around the dog's neck and if you add a few insect repelling herbs like lemongrass, pennyroyal and rosemary to the water you use to soak the bandana you can help keep away pests as well.

Doggy Bandana Freeze

Add a few sprigs of pennyroyal, lemongrass and/or rosemary to 2 cups of hot water.  Allow to steep 15 to 30 minutes.  Soak a puppy bandana in the resulting liquid than fold and place in the freezer.  Once frozen tie around the neck of your pooch to help cool the day and repel the bugs.

 

courtesy of animal planet

Workout Recovery Bath Bag Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

This Bath Bag Blend was originally shared on this blog when I did the Herb of the Week featuring Hyssop.  I thought it was worth sharing again as it is a go-to blend for a bath after a long day in the garden

You can use the blend after a long day of gardening or after a serious workout or a day hiking, biking or playing.

Workout Recovery Bath Bag Blend

Combine equal amounts of:

•  bay leaf
•  rosemary
•  hyssop
•  lavender

Combine the herbs in a container with a tight-fitting lid and shake to mix the ingredients. Use a part that is 1/4 to 1/2 cup in size to give you enough herbs for several batches for the bath.  Measure out 1/2 cup of the blended herbs to use in your bath water.

Two ways to prepare your bath:

1. Soak about 1/2 cup of herbs in water overnight. The next day, simmer for about 10 minutes and strain the liquid into the bath water.
2. Place about 1/2 cup of herbs into a drawstring bag made of fairly loosely woven material (cheesecloth is ideal), or place in the center of a circle of fabric, and secure tightly. Tie the bag on the tap so that hot water flows through it.

 

Pampering Bath Salts - Bath Blend of the Month

 May is when I get out and really get working in the garden.  I am looking forward to planting, bringing my scented geraniums outside after winter, cleaning out my perennial beds and so forth.  Although I did a lot of walking this winter to keep myself in shape, those first few weeks always result in some stiff muscles from overwork.

For the bath blend this month I chose to craft something that I can use to soothe my muscles, but also pamper my skin.  It uses the soothing and pampering of Epsom salts and baking soda, bringing it to a whole new level by using combinations of different herbs. You need 3/4 cup of herbs, but you can make your own combination depending on what your skin needs.

Here are a list of great bath herbs and why they are helpful

Lavender – is balancing, will calm or rejuvenate depending on your need and what you blend it with

Lemon Balm – an infusion strained into the bath make for happy thoughts.

Roman Chamomile – is soporific, aiding sleep and relaxation

Bergamot - stimulates, brightens the skin and helps blood flow

Rosemary – lightly astringent; stimulates rejuvenates and promotes elimination of waste

Sage – purifying, restores skin tone

Rose – deeply healing

Geranium – deeply healing

Lemon peel – is antiviral and anti-bacterial

Pampering Bath Salts

1 1/2 cups Epsom salts
3/4 cup baking soda
3/4 cup herbs (well crumbled and not whole leaf)

Blend the herbs and salts together and store in airtight plastic containers or sterilized jars (such as mason jars or small & pretty jam jars). Shake the jar well before using. You can place these in gift jars to make a great gift, just include contents and directions on a pretty tag.

To use: Toss in as little or as much as desired into the water. The average amount is about 1/4 cup. If you do not wish to chase herbs around the tub, place the measured amount into a cloth bag, square of fabric or even a coffee filter tied closed.

 

Five herbs to put Spring in your Spring!

Spring is a time for renewal, and herbs can play a big role in refreshing and rejuvenating your body, mind, and home. Here are a few herbs that are perfect for spring:

• Ø  Lemon balm: This herb has a bright, lemony scent and flavor that's perfect for spring. It's also a natural mood booster, making it great for those days when you need a little extra help to shake off the winter blues. Lemon balm can be used in cooking, teas, and as a bath infusion. Add fresh or dried lemon balm to marinades, dressings, and sauces for a lemony flavor boost. Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water to make a soothing tea.
  
  
  
• Ø  Dandelion: Dandelions are often considered a weed, but they're actually packed with nutrition and have a variety of medicinal properties. The leaves can be used in salads, and the roots can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute. Dandelion tea is a great detoxifying herbal tea and the root is also used as a liver tonic. Use the leaves in salads, or roast the roots to make a coffee substitute. Dandelion tea is a great detoxifying herbal tea and the root is also used as a liver tonic.
• 
  
  
• Ø  Chives: These delicate herbs are one of the first to appear in the spring, and their mild onion flavor makes them a great addition to a variety of dishes. They can be used fresh or dried and are a great source of Vitamin K. Add fresh or dried chives to eggs, soups, and salads for a mild onion flavor.
  
  
  
• Ø  Rosemary: This woody herb is a classic in Mediterranean cuisine and is perfect for spring grilling. It is also good for digestion and improving memory. Use fresh or dried rosemary to flavor meats, vegetables, and breads.
  
  
  
• Ø  Lemon Grass: This tropical herb is a great addition to spring cooking, as it has a fresh, lemony flavor that's perfect for marinades, dressings, and teas. Lemon grass can also be used in bath infusion for a relaxing soak. Use fresh or dried lemon grass in dressings and sauces for a lemony flavor boost. Add a handful of fresh or dried stalks to a muslin bag and let it steep in your bathwater for a relaxing soak.
  
  
  

These herbs can be used in a variety of ways, from cooking and medicine to bath infusions. Try incorporating them into your spring routine for a fresh and rejuvenating experience.

And if you want more info on any of these herbs Check out the Herb A to Z

Southwest Scrub - Bath Blend of the Month

The main ingredients in this scrub is blue cornmeal.  Blue cornmeal is an ancient food that can also make a full-body treatment that is rejuvenating.  The Hopi Indians of New Mexico have used blue cornmeal ritually and to improve vitality and make their skin more youthful.  If you cannot find blue cornmeal you can substitute white or yellow.

Southwest Scrub (makes 12 oz.)

• ½ cup ground blue cornmeal
• ½ cup grated castile soap
• ¼ cup oatmeal
• 1 tsp dried calendula petals
• ½ tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp lavender buds

Place corn meal and soap in a large bowl.  Finely grind the oatmeal and herbs together using a spice grinder of a coffee grinder.  Add this mixture to the cornmeal mixture, stir well. Pour into a clean airtight container.

TO USE: Combine 2 Tablespoons to ¼ cup of mixture with enough water to make a paste and apply to damp face. Gently scrub and rinse off with warm water, then moisturize skin with a natural oil rich body lotion.  If you have sensitive skin you should avoid using this on your face.

 

Bath Ball Gift Jar

Need something class and special at the last minute.  Try this bath ball mix in a decorative jar. I have shared bath ball recipes in the past, but this recipe is minty and floral, curative, and makes a wonderful gift. Place a collection of bath balls, tied up in seasonal fabric in a quart canning jar, and present them to a teacher, pet sitter, or another person you want to reward with a little me time.

Bath Ball Blend

1 cup mint, dried
1 cup rosemary, dried
1 cup lavender, dried
1 cup rose petals, dried
1 cup comfrey leaves, dried and crumbled
1 cup lemon balm
4-inch squares of fabric
ribbon

Combine dried herbs. Scoop 1 heaping teaspoon of mixture into the center of the fabric and tie the ends up with ribbon. Place balls in a glass and tie on instructions

To use: Use one ball per relaxing bath. You can tie the ball under the tap and let the water run through it, or steep the ball in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes and add the liquid to the bathwater.

Great Grilling Butter -- Weekend Recipe

 Using herbs that are left over from the garden or the grocery to make an herb butter is a great way to make something you can use with the grill.  This recipe uses parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme because I have them growing in my garden. If your family prefers a different combination, go ahead and substitute what they like. The ratio is 1/2 cup of butter to 1/4 cup minced herbs, so use any herbs you like. Simply place a portion on top of a cooked steak, just like a fancy steakhouse would do.

                                            
Herb Butter for a Grilled Steak

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

Place 7 tablespoons softened, unsalted butter in a small mixing bowl. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir cooked garlic into reserved softened butter. Mix the minced fresh herbs into the garlic-butter mixture using a fork, stirring and pressing until evenly distributed. Season with sea salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until slightly firmed up, about 20 minutes.

Turn mixture out onto a 9x12-inch strip of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Form mixture into a log, about 6 inches long and 1 inch thick. Roll herb butter up in the foil or parchment, twisting the ends and closing with a twist tie or rubber band. Return to the refrigerator until firmed up, about 40 minutes. Slice into 8 equal portions and serve on top of steak or other dishes. Wrap and refrigerate any leftovers up to 4 days. Logs can be frozen up to 3 months.

Herb butter is great not only on steak, but works with any grilled or roasted protein, steamed vegetables, or on baked potatoes.

Comfort from the Cold Bath - Bath Blend of the Month

 Each month we showcase a bath blend to make at home.  This month I thought something to soothe cold symptoms might be in order. I originally shared this for Advent 2020 on Facebook and thought it would be a good reshare.

The lavender will have antiseptic as well as soothing properties, the rosemary and ginger are warming and germ fighting and the eucalyptus has antioxidant properties as well containing ceramides which are great for dry skin.

Comfort from the Cold Bath

2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers and leaves

2 tablespoons dried rosemary leaves

1 tablespoon dried gingerroot powder

2 tablespoons dried eucalyptus leaves

Mix together dried herbs. Place them inside a square of natural fabric or a metal tea ball. Secure your bundle by tying the ends with a bit of sting.

To use : Hang the herb bag under your water tap. Fill the tub with warm (not too hot) water, letting the water flow through the herbs. Get in the bath, squeeze out your herb bag and place it behind your neck as you bathe. You also may use it to scrub your body with a bit of soap.

Home Style Slow Cooker Pork - Monthly Recipe Theme

Ending the recipe theme this month with a Crockpot recipe so you can make a great tasting pork dish without warming up the kitchen.

This is a traditional recipe using traditional pork herbs of rosemary and thyme.  They bring out the earthiness of pork and give a robust flavor to the sweetened sauce.

Home Style Slow Cooker Pork

ideal slow cooker: 4-quart

• 4-lb. boneless pork roast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1 Tbls. prepared mustard
• 1/2 tsp. thyme, crumbled
• 1/2 tsp. rosemary, broken
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper

Place roast pieces in slow cooker. Top with onion. Pour water around roast and onion. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl. Spoon over meat and onion. Cover and cook on high 1 hour and then on low 4 to 6 hours or until meat is tender. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

RECIPE THEME

Each month a theme is chosen and a number of recipes on that theme from my massive archive will be shared.  This year we have 12 new topics, different from the topics of last year.  

To find the recipes of last year, check out this recipe link or search the blog with the topic Recipe2018, Recipe2019, or Recipe2020.

 
You can search the monthly theme by looking for the theme keyword in the search box and it will pull up the recipes on that theme as posted, so look at the bottom of the recipe in each posting for the KEYWORD for each month.  All recipes this year will be tagged Recipe2021 so you can find them all.

The themes are:
Jan 2021 – Baked Items
Feb 2021 – Breakfast Dishes
March 2021 – Italian Dishes
April 2021 - Chicken Recipes
May 2021 - Appetizers
June 2021 – Mediterranean Dishes
July 2021 – Pork Recipes
August 2021 - Seafood
September 2021 - Pizzas
October 2021 – Mexican Dishes
November 2021 - Cookies
December 2021 – Gift Recipes

Lemony Italian Salad - Weekend Recipe

Rosemary is the star flavor in this Italian lentil salad. Use fresh rosemary for the perfect flavor, or cut the amount by half if you are using dry and be sure to crumble or crush the dry to release the aroma.

Lemony Italian Salad

• 2/3 cup dry lentils
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 5 plum tomatoes, chopped (about 1 ¾ cups)
• 3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan (3 oz)
• 3/4 cup finely shredded asiago (3 oz)
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves, or torn spinach
• 8 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto or ham (about 12 slices)
• 1/3 cup vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbls lemon juice
• 1 Tbls Dijon style mustard
• 2 tsp snipped fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper

Directions:

Rinse lentils; place in a small saucepan with water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until just tender. Drain and chill.

Arrange tomatoes, cheeses, spinach, lentils, and prosciutto in rows on a large square or rectangular platter, or a serving dish.

For dressing, in a screw-top jar combine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cover and shake well. Drizzle over salad. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

RECIPE THEME

Each month a theme is chosen and a number of recipes on that theme from my massive archive will be shared.  This year we have 12 new topics, different from the topics of last year.  

To find the recipes of last year, check out this recipe link or search the blog with the topic Recipe2018, Recipe2019, or Recipe2020.

 
You can search the monthly theme by looking for the theme keyword in the search box and it will pull up the recipes on that theme as posted, so look at the bottom of the recipe in each posting for the KEYWORD for each month.  All recipes this year will be tagged Recipe2021 so you can find them all.

The themes are:
Jan 2021 – Baked Items
Feb 2021 – Breakfast Dishes
March 2021 – Italian Dishes
April 2021 - Chicken Recipes
May 2021 - Appetizers
June 2021 – Mediterranean Dishes
July 2021 – Pork Recipes
August 2021 - Seafood
September 2021 - Pizzas
October 2021 – Mexican Dishes
November 2021 - Cookies
December 2021 – Gift Recipes