Cooking for others is an extension of ourselves, primeval in terms of saying you care. Cooking with herbs goes beyond caring. It's saying, "I love you and I want your to enjoy your food!"
My husband is not fond of green peppers or onions, so I've learned to avoid them when I cook for him. To top it off, my daughter has developed a strong aversion to onions, not just a dislike. That has forced my hand. I've substituted with herbs and found that I love, love, LOVE adding oregano to things like chili, homemade pizza and pasta sauce. Surprising to me, since I didn't think I liked oregano before I had to adjust my cooking.
Fresh potted herbs can add not only a fragrance and look to your kitchen but also add layers of flavors to your cooking that are deliciously incomparable. Since I've begun using fresh herbs, my husband often says things like, "Wow! I don't know what you did, but this (fill in the blank) is incredible!" That's what you want to hear, no matter who you're cooking for. After all, it's an extension of YOU but, with fresh herbs, remember that a little goes a long way. You don't want to scream your love. That would soon get annoying! YOWZA!
My favorite purveyor of herb seeds and plants is Jung, online at www.jungseed.com, since they have such a broad broad selection. There are many, of course. Harris Seed Company at www.harrisseeds.com, and of course Burpee at www.Burpee.com. Gurney's at Gurneys.com is where I usually get my tomato seeds, by the way. I like all these companies for fruits, vegetables and herbs and there are many more that I use. Start potting soon for your own enjoyment.
I should be showing you a picture of either potted herbs or my herb garden but the herbs are now gone for the season. Meanwhile, last year's herbs are dried, ground with my mortar and pestle, and ready to use! It's time to start more seeds! Let's see, dill is great for fish, savory adds a delicious oomph to roast beef, cilantro (love that fragrance), thyme and sage with chicken (YUM!). TTYL! I've got to send out my order! In the meantime, I welcome your comments! I want to know your thoughts and experiences!
There is a great book of information called "Back to the Basics". It was published by Readers Digest. My hardbound copy disappeared and I am currently looking for another copy. This book is chaulk full of the basic how tos of gardening, canning, drying,using bugs for destructive bug elimination, how to start a fire, purify water and the list goes on and on. It was published I lieve in the late 70's or early 80's.I think you would really enjoy this book, throughout your journey! It definitely takes you back to a simplier time. Lamona
ReplyDeleteLamona, I read the book in the 70's and still live the life. Today I'm starting my tomato seeds. My husband is building a sawmill and plans to build cabins from the lumber he saws. For several years he worked on a sawmill and loved it. Getting back to basics is a good life, very real. You eventually see results of your hard work and that's satisfying!
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