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Herbal Handiwork
By Diana Rogers
Throughout my garden I have mounds of basil, parsley, dill, sage and rosemary growing. I make the most of my herb garden harvest by making herb oil, herb butter and pesto. Maybe you would like to try a variety of these ideas. When I make herb oils for gifts, I first start with 2 handfuls of herb leaves and puree with 1 cup of canola oil in the blender. I store the herb oil in the refrigerator for up to a few days. I use the oil for adding a nice flavor to chicken, seafood and vegetables, especially for grilling. Adding 1/4 cup of finely chopped herbs to a garden salad is delightfully delicious. The additional flavors will give a new spin to your favorite salad. Just grab those kitchen shears and snip away on your Italian parsley or basil over your homegrown tomatoes. Add some slices of mild semi-soft Italian cheese, such as Mozzarella. I'm not one for eating out often. I think that's because I like to cook and entertain at home. Plus, I’m fortunate to have the land to grow most of my own food. But the other day when I was at a restaurant, I noticed they were serving herbed butter with the bread. It’s so easy to make your own herb butter at home. The combinations of flavor are endless. I use about 2 cups of herbs (just the leaves, not the stems) chopped. Add one pound of unsalted butter and mix well. Then place the herb butter on a piece of parchment paper in a long log shape. You will want to cover the log of butter with plastic after that. Refrigerate for about a week or you can store it in the freezer. I use the butter for cooking vegetables or I’ll add a tablespoon or two in a pan while sautéing mushrooms or pan-frying seafood. Here are the 3 easy steps for making flavored butter. 1. Soften the butter first by letting it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to allow easier blending of ingredients. If you don’t have the time to soften the butter, then use a food processor. 2. Stir in the flavor. Think of all the possibilities. 3. Roll the butter in plastic wrap, parchment paper or waxed paper and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a re-sealable plastic bag for up to 6 months. Have you thought of some flavorings you might want to try? I suppose you could coordinate the flavored butter with what you are serving for that meal. Here are some fun flavorings I have tried before: 1. Fresh strawberries and mint.
2. Chopped olives, garlic & rosemary.
3. Minced ginger and soy sauce.
4. Chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
5. Stone-ground mustard and fresh snipped dill.
6. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated parmesan cheese.
7. Peach preserves and chopped habanero pepper.
8. Chopped almonds, dried cherries and almond extract.
9. Grated lemon, lime and orange peel.
10. Fresh blueberries and maple syrup. Besides having a garden that is a great money saver, it can provide a world of wonderful flavors with very little effort. Well, maybe it takes some work but the benefits of eating your own homegrown food is very rewarding and an easy meal solution. Back in the great grandmother days, the Victorian ladies used fine porcelain butter pats. Now you can make simple herbal butter (that you’ve refrigerated earlier) in a simple candy mold, ready to use at your evening meal. Enjoy!
I have been gardening for 37 years. I enjoy eating from the abundance of the land and sharing good, healthy fruits and vegetables with family and friends.
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We grew herbs this year for the first time. Loved having fresh herbs available whenever we wanted them. The flavored butter sounds awesome!
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
That's wonderful! I just love the look, smell and taste of fresh herbs all the time!
I am gonna try making some herbal Oreo butter. Now where did my wife put the food processor?
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Oreo Butter! lol That sounds like a sweet one! :=)
You make it look so easy. I will definitely give it a try. Thank you
 | | noline Jan 12, 2012 01:40 |  appreciated |
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Thanks! I think at first, it's new and unfamiliar but once you give it a go for that special occasion, it adds a nice detail to the table.
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If you use this content according to the license specified, you must link to the following URL:
http://ladyd.qondio.com/
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This intel was contributed by LadyD
LadyD
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May, 2012
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