Herbal Blends

A whiff of lemon verbena, of rosemary, of lavender can carry us back to childhood where for a few minutes we are far away from troubled times...

~Rosetta E. Clarkson~

Herb and Spice blends and rubs are easy to make for your own cooking and wonderful to give as gifts any time of year. Don't be afraid to try making your own combinations after you try a couple of these easy recipes!

Herb Salt

What you will need:

Free running salt-no iodine

plastic or glass jar or shaker

one bunch herbs

a cookie sheet

your oven!

Spread a layer of the salt on the cookie sheet-about 1/8 of an inch thick. Chop the herbs fine, and spread on top of the salt. You may use chives alone for a great flavor. Or mix basil, chives, thyme, and oregano together for an herbal mixture. Create from what you have on hand, or can buy at the store. Place the cookie sheet in a 200 oven. Every 10 minutes check the herbs.You want them to be dry enough to crumble but you don't want any browning to occur.Just take a wooden spoon and gently move it around slightly. Depending on your oven, this may take 30 minutes. When dry, remove the cookie sheet and cool.You can use your hands or anything with a flat bottom to crush the herbs.Put the herbs and salt into a very dry bowl and stir to mix. Transfer to your glass jar or shakers.This is great on meat, or potatoes of any type! Great gift idea too.

Mild Herb Blend

You will need:

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried lemon rind

Mix ingredients together and place in plastic or glass jar.I save all my old spice bottles for this purpose. Tie some raffia around the top and give with the herbal salt! This mixture would be wonderful on vegetables with some butter.

Stuffing Herb Blend

6 tablespoons sage

1 tablespoon thyme

3 tablespoons sweet marjoram

2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley

Combine together by chopping or mincing. Keep up to one week in the refrigerator. Use to season stuffing.

Zesty Herb Blend

3 tablespoons dried basil

3 tablespoons dried marjoram

3 tablespoons dried thyme

3 tablespoons dried tarragon

1 tablespoon dried lemon peel

1 tablespoon whole oregano

Place all items in a small jar and seal. Shake until well blended. This is great for adding to meat and vegetables.

Herb Mustard

You will need:

1 cup dijon mustard

1/4 cup herbs; basil or chives, or both

1 1/2 tablespoon white wine

Container

Chop the herbs fine, mix with mustard and wine. Place in container. Will last 3 months in the refrigerator.

Basket Ideas

A very nice herb basket would be all of the above placed in a basket with a kitchen towel or napkin in a herbal themed pattern, tied with a bow of natural raffia, and a victorian or country style gift card attached.

Related Articles

Herb Vinegar

Dressings

Image: Wikimedia.org