A Gentle Shift – Herbs and Tea for the Return to Fall Routines

As August fades into September, the pace of life begins to change. Summer vacations wind down, school schedules return, and mornings suddenly arrive earlier than anyone would like. The transition can feel exciting, exhausting, and emotional all at once—for adults and children alike.

Herbs, especially herbs in tea, offer gentle support during this seasonal shift, helping create moments of calm, focus, and comfort as routines settle back into place. Here are a few tea suggestions to help you along the way.

Lemon Balm Tea

🌿 Lemon Balm and Lavender for Calm

Back-to-school season can bring nervousness and overstimulation, especially after relaxed summer days. Lemon balm and lavender are two herbs traditionally used to encourage calm and relaxation.

A simple evening tea can help create a peaceful bedtime ritual before busy school mornings begin.

Calming Evening Tea

• 2 parts lemon balm
• 1 part chamomile
• ½ part lavender

Steep for 5–7 minutes and sweeten lightly with honey if desired.

The flavor is gentle and approachable, making it ideal for family tea time.

We have two Backyard Patch Teas that are perfect to include in this ritual.  Calming Spirit - A soul-soothing blend designed to quiet the nerves and settle the stomach. The delicate balance of rosemary, lavender, spearmint, chamomile, and cloves creates a mildly minty, aromatic infusion that brings tranquility with every sip. Enjoy it hot for a cozy evening wind-down or iced for a refreshing moment of calm. Holy Basil Relaxing Tea - Unwind naturally with this calming evening blend designed to quiet busy minds and ease you into restful sleep. Holy basil, lemongrass, lemon balm, peppermint, fennel, sage, hibiscus, and rose hips create a lightly citrusy, minty cup with soothing herbal depth. Packed with comforting herbs and vitamin C-rich ingredients, it’s the perfect nighttime ritual for relaxation and wellness support. Cozy, calming, and wonderfully grounding!

🌿 Rosemary for Focus and Memory

Rosemary has long been associated with memory and concentration. Students in ancient Greece reportedly wore rosemary garlands while studying, believing the herb sharpened the mind.

Whether or not one believes the legends, rosemary’s invigorating scent certainly awakens the senses.

Try:

• Adding rosemary to lemonade or herbal iced tea
• Simmering rosemary on the stove for an aromatic study environment
• Using rosemary in snack mixes or roasted nuts

We created a headache tea using a combination of rosemary with other herbs called Headache Liberation, that is bright and refreshing. This citrusy-herbal blend brings together lemon verbena, lemon balm, lavender, catnip, rosemary, and sage to help release tension and clear the mind. Whether it’s stress, sinus pressure, or a long day weighing on you, this tea is a breath of fresh air.

🌿 Building Immune Support

The return to classrooms often means the return of seasonal sniffles. Late summer is an excellent time to begin incorporating supportive herbs into daily routines.

Classic herbs include:

• Thyme
• Sage
• Elderflower
• Echinacea
• Mint

These can be blended into teas, syrups, or steam blends for seasonal wellness support.

Simple Wellness Tea Blend

• 2 parts thyme
• 1 part elderflower
• 1 part peppermint

This blend has a pleasant flavor while offering comforting herbal warmth.

If you want to look into our teas, we have Winter Remedy - A cool, soothing blend designed to bring relief during cold and flu season. Rosehips deliver a burst of vitamin C, sage works to fight germs, and peppermint provides a cooling effect to ease fevers and body aches. A winter staple to keep you feeling your best. Or Tulsi Rose Tea - Soft floral notes and comforting herbs come together in this soothing, immune-supportive blend. Holy basil (tulsi), lemon balm, rose petals, and elderflower create a rich reddish-brown tea with a slightly sweet, robust flavor that feels warm and calming from the very first sip. Perfect for winding down at night, easing frazzled nerves, and keeping cozy during cold and flu season. A peaceful cup for body and spirit alike!

🍎 Small Rituals Matter

The transition back to routine doesn’t have to feel abrupt. A cup of tea after school, herbs tucked into lunches, or a calming evening bath can help create comforting rituals that ease the change of season.

Herbs remind us to slow down and pay attention—even during busy times. As summer softens into autumn, they offer both flavor and reassurance, helping families settle gently into the rhythms ahead.

Fresh Herb Iced Tea - Tea Blend of the Month

Traditionally July is a hot month in Illinois.  I need to stay hydrated, but water loses its sparkle after a while, so I make herb iced teas.  This version allows the use of fresh cut herbs to make a tasty tea concentrate that you can keep in the fridge and enjoy for several days.

Explore the summer garden bounty with this tea idea featuring these attributes: peppermint cools, lemon balm brightens, catnip relaxes, and sage adds a soft savory note that ties everything together.

Fresh Herb Summer Iced Tea

• 5-6 stems catnip
• 4-5 stems peppermint
• 4-5 stems lemon balm
• A bit of sage 1-2 stems. 

Place stems in a roaster pan.  Pour boiling water over them and let steep 20 to 30 minutes.  Chill and store in the refirgerator until ready to serve.  Serve over ice with a splash of fresh cool water. Keeps 5 to 7 dsys in the refridge.

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

Fall Weather Honey Apple Tea - Tea Blend of the Month

Apples are everywhere this time of year and I have been working on several apple recipes to share on instagram (@backyardpatch43) when I found this item I shared on an old website back in 2011. With some updates, this makes a great tea to enjoy the flavor of apples.

Honey Apple Tea 

• 4 black tea bags (or 4 tsp. loose black tea)
  
• 1 tsp dried chamomile (optional)
• 1 tsp dried lemon balm
• ½ tsp dried sage
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 cups unsweetened apple juice
• 3 cups boiling water

In a two quart pot, brew tea bags and dried herbs with boiling water.  Steep 2 to 5 minutes.  Remove bags/tea infuser or strain if brewed loose.  Add honey and apple juice.  Stir well.  Serve warm with a slice of apple or a cinnamon stick or pour over ice.  Makes 4 servings.

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.

Aromatic Fresh Mint Tea - Tea Blend of the Month

This week I was harvesting a large amount of mint. And contemplating a harvest of sweet woodruff. As a result, it got me thinking about refreshing mint-based teas and I remembered this one I posted on Facebook back in 2015.

The recent rain has cleared our air of the smoke from the Canadian Wildfires, but I fear it will come back in a few days.  This tea can assist with coughs, sore throats and congestion from not-so-great-air.

Aromatic Mint Tea  

• 2 parts Spearmint
• 1 part Marjoram
• 1 part Sweet Woodruff
• 1 part Sage

Combine Fresh leaves in a quart jar (about half full total) and cover with boiled water.  Let steep 15 minutes or so and enjoy hot or iced.  If you only have dry herbs, use 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of hot water.

sage

Spearmint leaves are often used in herbal teas and remedies for their potential respiratory benefits. It may help alleviate coughs, congestion, and sinus discomfort.

Marjoram is known for its calming effects on the nervous system. It promotes relaxation, relieves stress, and improves sleep quality.

Sweet woodruff contains antioxidant compounds that help protect the body against oxidative stress and free radicals, potentially reducing cellular damage. Sweet woodruff also has mild sedative properties and has been used as a relaxant to help promote relaxation and relieve stress.

Sage has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties that may help soothe sore throats, alleviate mouth ulcers, and support oral health.

It's important to note that while herbs like spearmint, marjoram, sweet woodruff, and sage have traditional uses and potential medicinal benefits, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist before using them for specific health concerns or if you have any underlying medical conditions.

Five Mood Enhancing Herbs

There are several herbs that can help to enhance mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Some of the most popular mood-enhancing herbs include:

St. John's Wort: This herb has been used for centuries to treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood.

Ashwagandha: This herb has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety and depression. It works by modulating the activity of stress-related neurotransmitters in the brain and also helps to support the adrenal glands. I have never grown it before, so this year I am experimenting.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herbaceous shrub from the nightshade family, native to India, Nepal, and Northern Africa. Also known as Indian ginseng, or winter cherry.  They are traditionally cultivated for their roots. These slow-growing plants can reach up to 3 feet in height and be kept as perennials in USDA zones 7 and higher. They also produce edible bright orange-red berries similar to tomatillos.  In my area of Zone 5 I can grow it in a pot or treat it as an annual.

Ashwagandha grows best in full sun (6 hours or more).  It can tolerate some partial shade, but it will have a slower growth rate and take longer to reach maturity, which takes 170 days.

The ideal temperature range for growing Ashwagandha is between 68°F and 95°F. This plant does not tolerate frost. You can cultivate it as a perennial in USDA zones 7 to 12, but in zones 4 to 8, you can grow it as a summer annual.

If you live in a cooler climate, plant Ashwagandha seeds indoors and move the plant to your garden only when temperatures are consistently above 59°F. 

Passionflower: This herb has been traditionally used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It can help to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of nervousness.

Lemon Balm: 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.

Sage: This herb has been used to improve mood and cognitive function, and has been traditionally used to treat anxiety and depression. Sage has been found to have a positive effect on mood and cognitive function.

It's important to note that these herbs can interact with certain medications, so it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new herb. Additionally, if you have severe depression or anxiety, it is important to seek professional help.

It is also important to note that some herbs may have some side effects and should be used with caution and under the guidance of a proper healthcare professional.

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.

 

Round up of Herb Ideas -- Earth Day Special

Happy Earth Day!  A day to think about the environment and the earth and what we can do to protect and enhance it for future generations.

My first choice is to go a bit more wild in the garden areas and eliminate the pristine green grass yard and replace it with natural wild ground covers and add a number of native plants to the landscape.

My friend the Empress of Dirt has a great article that speaks to planting your front garden to be pollinator freindly without freaking out the neighbors.  I great read with wonderful plant suggestions.

Some of my garden recommendations is plant a section of your lawn with creeping thyme.  It is no more than 3 inches tall, never needs mowing, smells great when you walk on it and in spring and summer gets lovely red flowers.

Creeping red as a lawn

creeping red as an edging

Another thing you can so is start making and using natural products yourself reducing plastic waste and helping the environment and yourself by reducing chemicals.

Here is an article from Medium.com by Brenda Sullivan with a combination of gardening tips and eco friendly ideas for the home. A quick read with easy ideas.

You can also check out this previous post of mine which includes the best cleaning herbs and recipes to use in making eco cleaning materials at home.

One of the herbs I suggest is Sage. It has disinfecting properties, and anti-fungal properties which make it perfect for making a cleaning vinegar or using as an essential oil in cleansers.

I like to grow exotic sages, like white sage, purple sage and golden sage in my landscape for the color and texture and then the added benefit of germ fighting.

Golden Sage

Purple sage

White sage, indigenous to the southwest and used ritually among many Native American groups

Eco cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom are so important as so much of what it available is so chemical laden and then we wash that down the drain and it gets into local waterways. SO here are a few recipes for cleaning the dishwasher and sink.

And finally some food for thought.  Back in 2021 still worried about COVID, I chose to write about things to be grateful for.  You can check out that list here: Earth Day 2021

Enjoy the beauty of nature around you this Earth Day!

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.

New Feature - Monthly Herb Tea Crafting Ideas

I have a boat and a garage and a house full of tea recipes.  Some I learned, some I crafted from scratch some I created by accident. I share them regularly on the blog (you can find them by searching Tea Recipes on the blog) but I thought it might be nice to be more organized about it and share some tea creating ideas every month. These will include recipes for tea, recipes for items to serve with tea and highlights on herbs to grow for making tea. 

I started my first herb garden in 1992, because I love herb tea.  However I wanted my herb (caffeine-free) tea to be as nuanced in flavors as the black teas I also enjoy, like Earl Grey with a hint of orange from bergamot oil, or Assam Tea which has a chocolaty finish to go with the malty strong flavor. What was available in the stores were generally single herb teas like peppermint or chamomile and those were not subtle. So I began experimenting with herbs and their flavors and creating combinations.  

I started with two-herb combos like Lemon balm and Lavender (now called Lemon Lavender Splash and made with multiple lemon herbs) or Lemon balm and peppermint (called Lemon Peppermint and made in the winter because of its throat-soothing properties.) Then I moved to three and four herb combinations like Dreamtime (chamomile, lavender and catnip,) Headache Relief  a combo of lavender, rosemary and thyme and Nerve Soothing (sage, thyme, marjoram, chamomile, because you can be soothing without lavender.)

Once I gained confidence in my blending skills, I began making multi-herb blends like my popular hot and iced tea called Calming Spirit named so because it is made with relaxing herbs of spearmint, lavender, chamomile, rosemary and cloves for color. Now I can create a tea with any number of herbs and spices and enjoy a side hustle of custom tea blends for groups, events and weddings.  If you have questions about herbs for your tea, please ask in the comments down below.

There are many recipes I have made or adapted to try at home, use in cocktails and tryout for programs so I thought I would share some of these experiments and perhaps a few of my commercial failures with you and let you judge them for yourself. And since herbs are best with shortbread and scones, I will share a few of those recipes along the way as well.

As it is May I decided to start with an iced teas, you can then enjoy a cooling blend as summer heats up. Although as I write this is is not yet very warm, I am hopeful that by publication it will be warm enough outdoors for you to enjoy these recipes on your porch or deck.

Tea Idea to Start

Lemon Verbena-Apple Mint Tea
Nothing is more refreshing in the summer than lemon verbena iced tea, and a hint of apple and mint adds a twist.

1 cup fresh lemon verbena leaves, loosely packed
½ cup fresh apple mint leaves, loosely packed
2 quarts water

Bring water to a boil.  Turn off water and add the herbs, bruising them slightly.  Cover pot and let sit for 10 minutes.  Strain out herbs, allow to cool and add ice.

Another Tea Idea

Now if you do not bring in your lemon verbena plants for winter like I do , you might not have any of that herb just yet, so here is a recipe you can make with kitchen herbs, or those you can gather at the grocery. I shared this years ago in my herbal newsletter - which is now called the Good Thymes....

Nippy Iced Tea  

• 5-6 stems catnip
• 4-5 stems peppermint
• 4-5 stems lemon balm
• A bit of sage 1-2 leaves

Because you are dealing with stems of herbs, place the stems in a roaster pan pour boiling water of them and let steep 20 to 30 minutes.  Chill and serve over ice with a splash of fresh cool water. Start with one quart of water and if it is too strong add another quart.  Allow to cool then serve with ice.  The mint is cooling and refreshing while the lemon balm is uplifting.  The catnip and sage will help with allergies too!

Stop back next month for more tea ideas!

Cream Cheese Spread and Chive Dip for a Charcuterie Board

For May the recipe theme is appetizers.  Since we just created a new product, a Charcuterie Starter Kit.  This month we thought we would share different recipes one can use on a Charcuterie Board. 

Charcuterie, pronounced [shar-koo-tuh–ree], is the art of preparing cured or smoked meats. Charcuterie boards are essentially meat’s response to a cheese board, and boy are they good. For many folks they are a great way to create a board filled with appetizer bites.  And the awesome thing about charcuterie boards is that there is no end to the possible variations. Switching up a few ingredients yields something new and amazing each and every time.

In our CharcuterieStarter Kit we have combined several herb mixes for spreads and dips, Olive Oil Dipping sauce, a small bowl, and instructions for putting together a Charcuterie Board including a recipe for a board to serve 4 with all the needed ingredients. 

To get us started this month here is a cheese spread and a dip you can try with fresh herbs from your garden.  If you have chive blossoms available, you can substitute those for snipped chives.

Herbed Cheese Spread

• 2 Tbls fresh thyme, chopped fine
• 2 Tbls marjoram, chopped fine
• 2 Tbls chives, snipped with scissors
• 2 Tbls shallot, minced
• 8 oz. cream cheese at room temp

In a small bowl add the herbs and cream cheese.  Mix together until well blended.  Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.  Serve with an assortment of crackers and breadsticks.

 

Chive Dip

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, snipped with scissors
• 1 Tbls fresh sage, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt

In medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.  Let chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator before using to allow all the flavors to meld together. Serve with vegetable dippers.

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

Splendor Bath Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

March is a time to rejuvinate.  Spring is coming. Daylight savings time is around the corner. And we emerge from the coccoon of a northern hemisphere winter. This year more than ever I am all about emerging, changing, growing, and being aecited about change.  So this is a perfect time to boost the body, cleanse the skin and help the rest of me get ready for change.

Splendor Bath Blend 

• 1/2 cup thyme
• 1/2 cup sage
• 1/2 cup lavender
• 1/2 cup mint
• 1/2 cup bay leaves
• 1/2 cup rosemary
• 1 1/2 cup powdered milk
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 1/8 cup baking soda
• 2 Tbls cornstarch

Basic Instructions:

Make drawstring pouches out of cheesecloth, organza or muslin, enough to hold anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of the herbal. Tie them tightly shut so the loose ingredients won’t float out. After use the contents can be emptied, the pouches rinsed out then washed to be refilled and reused.  Or use a large drip coffee filter or bandana and tie with ribbon.

Preparation:

Two ways these can be enjoyed, either hang them on the tap while the hot water is running, making sure the water is running through them. Once the tub is filled, let them float around.

Infusion Method: Boil a quart of water, turn off heat, add pouch, cover, then steep (for at least 20 minutes for best results). Add the piping hot infusion (and the bag) to a full tub, being careful while pouring to avoid burning yourself.

Gruyere Gratin Potatoes - Baked Items Recipe Theme

I wanted to end this month’s recipe theme of Baked Items with something that is more savory and I thought a baked potato dish might be just the ticket.  This recipe uses a combo of sweet potatoes and Yukon golds with Gruyère cheese.  This firm tangy tasting cheese from the Swiss family of cheeses, melts well and is perfect with the plain palette of potatoes.

Gruyere Gratin Potatoes

• 1 1/2 pounds medium Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 1/2 pounds medium red-skinned sweet potatoes (yams)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian parsley
• 1 teaspoon rosemary, crumble
• 1 teaspoon sage, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon thyme, striped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/4 cups (packed) coarsely grated Gruyère cheese (about 5 ounces)

Directions:

Fill large bowl with cold water. Working with 1 Yukon Gold potato at a time, peel, then cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds and place in bowl with water. Repeat with sweet potatoes. Combine cream, butter, and garlic in medium saucepan; bring to simmer. Remove from heat. Mix all herbs in small bowl. Mix sea salt and black pepper in another small bowl.

Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Drain potatoes, then pat dry with kitchen towels. Transfer half of potatoes to prepared baking dish. Use hands to distribute and spread evenly. Sprinkle with half of salt-pepper mixture, then half of herb mixture. Sprinkle with half of cheese. Repeat with remaining potatoes, salt-pepper mixture, herb mixture, and cheese. Pour cream mixture over gratin, pressing lightly to submerge potato mixture as much as possible. Cover with plastic wrap and chill. Remove plastic wrap before baking.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover gratin tightly with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until top of gratin is golden and most of liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes; serve.

Do ahead version: You can make the recipe and chill up to 6 hours before baking, so you can make it in the morning and then cook for dinner.

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