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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Herbs

For longer than I care to admit, I've been lamenting the cost of fresh herbs. Every time I find myself standing in front of the grocery case with the herbs, I start muttering under my breath about how expensive everything seems to be. From time to time, I shake my fist at the unassuming herbs in their shiny plastic packaging. I must look like a crabby 90-year-old instead of the sunshiny almost-30-year-old that I am.

This year, I decided to do something about it. Instead of spending $3 on a bunch of basil that will unexpectedly go bad two days after I bought it, I spent $2.50 and bought myself some herbs. Nestled in their planters in my backyard, I am looking forward to a summer filled with fresh herbs when I need them.



Hello, Rosemary. You look just lovely. I shall put you atop some homemade focaccia. I will serve you sprinkled on potatoes slathered with butter and cooked in foil on my BBQ grill.



Sage. You make me happy. I don't know why as I don't often use you. I will find a way to use you more this summer. And not in sausage. See, I don't make sausage from scratch, so I can't use you in it. Something. I'll find something.



Oh, cilantro. I put you in a turkey burger last night. You were delicious. You'll also be the crowing glory of my guacamole and pico de gallo all summer. You're quite pleased with yourself. I can tell. I'd be more pleased with you if you didn't look so floppy. Let's work on this.



Basil. We have a relationship, basil. I put you in pasta. I toss you in roasted tomato and green bean salad. You help me make a wicked caprese salad. I find you to be delightful in all forms. I heart you.

In fact, I heart all my herbs. We're going to make beautiful food together. It's been determined.

2 comments:

  1. I am so completely jealous! I, too, have felt the aggravation of purchasing supermarket herbs only to have them spoil on me. I've even bought bunches of basil with the roots on, trying to keep them alive in coffee cups.

    My husband and I finally went to Home Depot to do just what you have done - purchase herbs and a flower box to plant them in. My brilliant plan was ruined by the nearly complete lack of sun on my tiny balcony, however. I'll have to wait until we buy a house to plant fresh herbs.

    I hope you enjoy them all season long!

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  2. Sage goes really well with squash, I have recently learned, but my favorite usage for sage (especially when fresh) is a couple of leaves under the skin when roasting chicken. It is so good.

    Your planter looks great, I'm a little envious.

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